Alberto Mazzucchelli, Engineer and designer of the renovation of the AzerMonastery; Andrea Benzo, Special Envoy of MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) for the protection of religious freedom and interreligious dialogue; Silvio Pasero, President of Banco Building – The Bank of Things; Hady Kobeissi, Project Coordinator of AVSI in Syria. Moderated by Davide Giuliani, Journalist.

In a place where it seemed impossible, twenty years ago, a group of Trappist nuns chose Azer as their path to follow in the footsteps of the early Christian monks for their vocational journey. This humble and discreet presence, deeply connected to the local community, combines work and prayer in the tradition of Benedictine spirituality. Despite the escalating horrors of war that have ravaged the country, leaving behind death, destruction, and poverty, this monastic community has become a symbol of openness and sharing for the Syrian people. Their existence resonates with the spirit of hope for all in the region.
This event delves into the nuances of the exhibition on the Azer Monastery, hosted within the International Pavilion. It narrates the story of this profound experience and how, with the support of numerous institutions, non-governmental organizations, and ordinary citizens, a faith centered on encounter and inclusivity can lay the foundation for the future. In a backdrop where the atrocities committed and the deep scars they’ve caused might seemingly deny the possibility of forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation.