The first workshop of the conference took place over two days and brought together a variety of local and international actors under the title, "And So the War Ended…" Between panel talks and group discussions, topics such as previous attempts to deal with Lebanon’s past and the possibility for future attempts to be more successful were covered. The workshop also touched upon the truth seeking roles played by civil society and international tribunals in the shadow of state amnesty. As was evident by some of the emotional dialogues between individuals that were once on opposing sides of Lebanon’s conflict, if the country ever hopes to take concrete steps towards real peace, it is important to engage with Lebanon’s history openly and honestly.

In conjunction with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), UMAM D&R invited experts Alex Boraine, vice president of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and Co-Founder of the ICTJ, and Hanny Megally, director for the Middle East and North Africa at the ICTJ, to participate in the conference and draw upon their vast experience dealing with justice, war, and memory. The diverse conversations, exchange of ideas, and expressed sentiments proved the need for such a widespread, communitive undertaking towards an accounting of Lebanon’s strained history.