By Alfredo Maiolese
President of the European Muslims League (EML)
At a time marked by wars, international tensions and growing distrust among peoples, it is worth asking where the journey towards peace truly begins.
Many believe that peace depends solely on governments, international organizations or high-level diplomatic summits. Their role is undoubtedly essential, but it is not sufficient.
Peace also begins much closer to us.
It begins in our cities, municipalities, schools, universities, associations, places of worship and in every community that, day after day, educates people in respect, dialogue and responsibility.
It is with this spirit that the European Muslims League (EML) has invited hundreds of European municipalities to take part in the Third Edition of the International Conference “A Kick to War”, which will be held in Italy on 9 and 10 October 2026, under the High Patronage of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), an intergovernmental organization.
The decision to involve local administrations directly is based on the conviction that mayors are among the foremost builders of peaceful coexistence. They know their communities, work closely with citizens every day and face firsthand the challenges of integration, security, social cohesion and the well-being of future generations.
At the same time, in the spirit of transparency and institutional cooperation, we have also shared the documentation with several leading European and international institutions engaged in cooperation, security and dialogue among peoples.
Not to seek privileges. Not to gain visibility.
But because we believe that initiatives born within civil society deserve to be known and, whenever they promote universal values, can become a shared heritage for all.
Conflict prevention does not begin when war breaks out.
It begins much earlier. It begins when young people are educated to respect one another, when dialogue among cultures and religions is encouraged, when knowledge replaces prejudice and when institutions choose cooperation instead of division.
Every municipality that supports a peace initiative sends a message that goes far beyond its own borders.
Every local administration that embraces dialogue contributes to building a stronger, more united and more responsible Europe.
As European Muslims, we believe that peace is first and foremost a moral responsibility before it is a political objective.
The Holy Qur’an reminds us that Allah invites humanity to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path. This teaching encourages us to become builders of reconciliation, justice and fraternity with every person of goodwill.
The Third Edition of “A Kick to War” aims to be much more than an international conference.
It seeks to become a meeting point for institutions, local authorities, religious communities, associations, young people and citizens, united by the conviction that peace cannot be entrusted to a few, but must be built together.
Because peace is not born in documents.
It is born in consciences.
And when a conscience changes, it can change the future of a city, a nation and, one day, the world.
Peace Is Built Together: The Role of Cities, Institutions and Civil Society
