Bucharest

In August 2025, Bucharest hosted the ROPES summit, bringing together both alumni and new participants from Israel, Palestine, and across the MENA region.

Despite significant obstacles – travel restrictions, ongoing regional tensions, and the personal trauma many carry from conflict – these young leaders from civil society, business, environmental organizations, and academic institutions gathered to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The summit moved beyond conventional diplomatic frameworks, creating space for participants to genuinely listen to one another's experiences and perspectives.

Rather than dwelling solely on grievances, participants collaborated on concrete initiatives to advance peace and dialogue in their communities.

This mix of returning alumni and newcomers created a dynamic where established relationships could deepen while fresh voices brought new energy and ideas.

The gathering demonstrated that even amid the region's most intractable conflicts, emerging leaders remain committed to finding pathways toward coexistence, working across divides that their governments and societies often struggle to bridge.