On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Royal Oasis Hotel in Pétion-Ville, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, accompanied by Raina Forbin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs, officially opened the National Conference of Religious Leaders for Peace, Stability, and Civic Engagement.

This important two-day conference brought together members of the government, representatives of the diplomatic and consular corps, international organizations, and more than one hundred religious leaders from various faiths across the country, including Catholics, Protestants, and Vodou practitioners, as well as civil society actors. The conference addressed several themes related to violence prevention, civic education, youth support, and the search for sustainable solutions to promote peace, stability, civic engagement, and social cohesion.

A Strategic Alliance for National Reconstruction :

In her address, Minister Raina Forbin reaffirmed the State's commitment to fully integrating religious leaders into government action. She emphasized that no sustainable national reconstruction project can succeed without the spiritual, moral, and human strengths of the country. "Peace is a collective project," she stated, stressing that Haiti's reconstruction will require an alliance between the State, religious leaders, communities, and youth, centered on peace, stability, and hope. She called for a strong alliance between the State, religious leaders, communities, and youth.

The Prime Minister commended the commitment of religious authorities, whom he considers an "essential moral force" for rebuilding the Haitian social fabric and restoring confidence. He also reaffirmed his government's determination to guarantee national security, support young people and displaced persons, and ensure a return to constitutional order through the organization of credible general elections.

Social Justice and Protection of Vulnerable People :

Invited to speak, Marc-Élie Nelson, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, brought a crucial socio-economic perspective to the discussions, stating that “the fight against insecurity must be accompanied by a fight for social justice. Considering religious leaders as “guardians of the collective conscience," he advocated for a human-centered approach to public policy development.

Addressing the religious leaders present at the conference, he described them as "guardians of the collective conscience," called upon to play a vital role in promoting peace, solidarity, and social cohesion. He also advocated for a human-centered approach to address current challenges and safeguard the country’s future.

Pédrica Saint-Jean, Minister for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, along with several cultural and religious leaders, contributed to the discussions by emphasizing the importance of rebuilding social ties and strengthening community cohesion. To ensure the social protection of children, women, and girls and to encourage every citizen to become an agent of peace.

Workshops and Perspectives :

Following the opening ceremony, participants divided into various workshops focused on key strategic themes: violence prevention and support for victims; civic education and the promotion of civic responsibility; and the development of sustainable alternatives for young people.

In line with the Government's commitment to making religious communities essential partners in reconstruction, this National Conference will not be limited to the capital. The event will soon be replicated and organized in the regions of the Great North and the Far South.

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre