Venice, Italy: International Christian Voice (ICV) participated in an international conference titled "The Challenges to World Peace Today" in Venice, Italy, on Saturday, July 5, 2025.  

The conference was organized by the Mission Shahbaz Bhatti, led by Dr. Paul Bhatti. The conference was convened to bring together political, religious, and academic leaders from around the world for discussions on strategic planning to address the root causes of war and religious-based violence worldwide.  
 
The keynote speaker of the conference was the Honourable Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate and former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr. Gilani, who urged respect for the dignity of all people, regardless of their nationality or religious beliefs, pledged to be an ally in the fight for global justice.  
 
Cardinal Joseph Coutts spoke of the need for understanding among faith communities to address the dangers of ignorance and intolerance, while Punjab's Minister of State for Religious Minorities, Ramesh Singh Arora, spoke of the need for more good-faith dialogue amongst feuding nations.  
 
Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, Chairman of Pakistan's Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, spoke of the importance of interfaith harmony in combating religious hatred that is often the root cause of political violence and encouraged stronger relational bonds between representatives of different faith communities.  
 
The Bishop of Hyderabad, Most Rev. Samson Shukardin, and the Bishop of Peshawar, Most Rev. Humphrey Peters, both spoke of the need for more prayer combined with action to promote peace.  
 
Other speakers included the Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, Professor Shahid Mobeen from the Pontificia Universita Urbaniana, Monsignor Michele Tomasi, and Monsignor Giuliano Brugnotto, among other academics and representatives.  
 
The event also recognized the life and legacy of Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, and all participants pledged to carry forward his mission to expand dignity and respect for all people.