Presentation of a bilateral framework for a sustainable two-state solution between Israel and Palestine - the inaugural edition of the GPOC Talks series
World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS), European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA) and Alma Mater Europaea University (AMEU) organized the first working conference within the framework of the Global Peace Offensive Center (GPOC). At the proposal of experts from Israel and Palestine, they presented the idea of a Holy Land Confederation. It is a comprehensive, bilaterally designed framework that would enable a sustainable two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conference was moderated by WAAS Vice President Donato Kiniger Passigli.
The plan, jointly developed by Palestinian lawyer and long-time peace process advisor Dr. Hiba Husseini and former Israeli Minister of Justice and one of the architects of the Oslo Accords Dr. Yossi Beilin, preserves the sovereignty of both states while envisaging close cooperation, joint management of natural resources, reciprocal residency rights, and an open Old City of Jerusalem. Instead of the traditional model of complete separation, it proposes a model of coexistence based on mutual understanding and practical cooperation.
The university as a space for serious dialogue, not as a bearer of a political position
In the closing address, the Rector of Alma Mater Europaea University and Director of GPOC Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak emphasized that the role of the university in such discussions is clearly limited and at the same time essential. "As a university, our role is not to support one political position. Our role is to create a space for open and serious dialogue," he said. In his words, the academic sphere, politics, and moral values have different roles, but they must remain in constant discussion: values emphasize the dignity of every human being, academia seeks knowledge, facts, and understanding, while politics bears responsibility for decisions.
"Peace is the foundation of freedom, dignity, and prosperity. Without peace, people and nations cannot fully develop. And without dialogue, there is no lasting peace," emphasized Prof. Dr. Toplak. He added that peace does not arise from a single major decision, but is built step by step, through trust, cooperation, and persistent dialogue. This is precisely the spirit and vision of the Global Peace Offensive and the way today’s GPOC Talk should be understood.
The third emphasis of the closing address was the importance of dialogue itself: "We are here because serious ideas for peace deserve serious discussion. Peace needs agreements. Agreement needs trust. Trust needs dialogue. And dialogue begins with listening," said the rector. He expressed hope that the first GPOC Talk is not the end, but the beginning of more dialogue, more understanding, and more serious work for peace. He emphasized that lasting peace is built through mutual recognition of equality, protection, respect, and dignity, and not through the domination of one state or the other.
Program of the inaugural GPOC Talk
The opening address and moderation were led by Donato Kiniger-Passigli, President of GPOC and WAAS Vice President for Social Sciences and Humanities. The plan was presented by Dr. Hiba Husseini, former chair of the legal committee for final status negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, partner at the law firm Husseini and Husseini, and member of the boards of Al-Quds University and the MEPPA fund, and Dr. Yossi Beilin, former Israeli Minister of Justice, one of the architects of the Oslo Accords and the Geneva Initiative, founder of Beilink International Affairs, distinguished professor at New York University (NYU), and author of the books The Path to Geneva and Touching Peace.
The discussion featured Jonathan Granoff (President of the Global Security Institute (GSI), Mark Donfried (Director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy ICD Berlin) and Janani Ramanathan (WAAS Secretary General). In addition to Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak, the closing remarks were also delivered by Garry Jacobs, President and CEO of WAAS, and Prof. Dr. Klaus Mainzer, President of EASA and Chair of the GPOC Scientific Committee.
GPOC and a mission that goes beyond a single event
The Global Peace Offensive Center, headquartered in Maribor, was founded in September 2025 by WAAS, EASA, and Alma Mater Europaea University. The Center operates as an international platform that seeks concrete ways to prevent and resolve conflicts through science, art, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its mission is based on the documents Vision for the Global Peace Offensive (October 2024) and Call to Action (March 2025).
At the founding of the Center, Prof. Dr. Toplak emphasized that peace does not happen by itself, but must be actively built with strength, organization, and a strategic approach. Today’s GPOC Talk is the first in a special series of discussions through which the Center is fulfilling this commitment with concrete examples. The discussion will continue in the coming days at the 66th Conference of the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS@66) entitled Solutions to Global Turbulence: Peace, Prosperity, and Freedom, which will take place online from September 8 to 11, 2026.
