In a global context marked by conflict, division and growing uncertainty, the call of Pope Francis to pray for peace resonates with renewed urgency. Across the Jesuit Province of Spain, this invitation has taken shape through spaces of reflection, dialogue and encounter — encouraging communities to become true “artisans of peace.”
At Advantere School of Management, this call found a concrete response in an initiative led by students themselves. With a community of 33 nationalities — many from countries currently affected by conflict — the need to create spaces for listening, reflection and shared understanding felt both real and immediate.
This led to the creation of a “Dialogue for Peace” gathering, held on March 19 and accompanied by Jaume Flaquer SJ, theologian, islamologist and a leading voice in interreligious dialogue.
A shared experience rooted in diversity
The session began with the reading of texts from different religious traditions — Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism and Buddhism — all centered on a common aspiration: peace.
In a community like Advantere, where universality is lived as a daily reality, this moment revealed something essential: diversity does not divide; it can bring people together around what is most fundamental.
Different voices. Different traditions. A shared human longing.
In the Ignatian tradition, reconciliation begins with listening — truly listening — to others, recognising in them a truth that challenges and enriches us.
From reflection to responsibility
Following the readings, Jaume Flaquer SJ invited participants into a simple yet powerful exercise.
Each person reflected on three questions:
- Where is peace lacking in the world today?
- Where is it lacking in my immediate surroundings?
- What small gesture can I make to contribute to peace this week?
The responses were both honest and revealing. Many pointed to a lack of peace not only in places affected by war — such as the Middle East, Ukraine or Sudan — but also in less visible dimensions: in political leadership, in social polarisation, and in the growing difficulty to truly listen and understand one another.
Closer to home, participants spoke about uncertainty, pressure, misunderstanding, and the challenge of maintaining peace in everyday relationships.
And yet, when invited to propose concrete actions, the tone shifted. The answers became simpler — and more powerful:
listening with attention, choosing kindness, letting go of ego, expressing gratitude, calling someone who matters, forgiving, being present.
“Peace begins with a conversation,” one participant wrote.
Building community through accompaniment
More than an exercise, the gathering became an experience of community.
In line with Advantere’s commitment to accompaniment, it created a space where each person could speak from their own reality and be received with respect. A space where academic life opens to the human — and the human to the spiritual.
It also reflected a deeper commitment to the common good: an understanding of leadership not as individual success, but as service to others and to society.
Because peace is not only a geopolitical issue. It is something that takes shape in everyday interactions — in how we speak, listen and relate to others.
A small step with real impact
In a world where tensions often seem to dominate, experiences like this remind us that peace is not an abstract ideal.
It is a practice.
A practice that requires dialogue, empathy, humility and commitment.
This initiative, born from the students themselves, is also an expression of transformative innovation: responding to present challenges through meaningful, human-centered action.
At Advantere, where diverse cultures, perspectives and life experiences come together, this encounter left a clear mark: peace is not built in theory, but in community.
And it often begins with something simple.A pause.
A conversation.
A willingness to listen.
