For the first time in over half a century, Lebanon finds itself navigating its future without external powers dictating its path, a prominent political figure declared this week, Kataeb Party leader  Samy Gemayel said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a conference hosted by the "Maison du Futur" (House of the Future) under the theme “Overcoming Divisions: A Conference for Lebanon’s Future”, Gemayel hailed this unprecedented moment as a "historic opportunity to build something different" from the tumultuous past the nation has endured.

"For the past 50 years, no one has been able to claim they can decide for all Lebanese, and this is a historic opportunity to build something different from what we’ve lived through in the past," Gemayel asserted.

However, this newfound autonomy, according to Gemayel, is fraught with challenges, primarily the deep-seated lack of trust among the Lebanese people, a legacy of the 1975 civil war.

"There is a lack of trust between the Lebanese and mutual fear that led us into the 1975 war," Gemayel stated, emphasizing the urgent need for reconciliation.

"If there had been trust and healthy, natural relationships, the Lebanese would not have been drawn into division and a bloody war that brought us to where we are now."

To address this, Gemayel reiterated his proposal for a "truth and reconciliation conference" that would be aimed at fostering trust and preventing future conflicts.

"As long as there is no trust, we remain vulnerable, and the problem is that some people handle things behind the scenes, lacking the courage to speak the truth and express their concerns and fears," he explained.

The primary impediment to such reconciliation, according to Gemayel, remains the pervasive issue of arms outside state control.

"The only obstacle to reconciliation is the continued presence of arms, which hinder dialogue between the Lebanese," he stated.

He expressed confidence in President Joseph Aoun's handling of this sensitive matter, noting the direct engagement with Hezbollah to find a resolution without political exploitation.

"I have full confidence that he will be able to resolve it," Gemayel affirmed, stressing the need for a "diplomatic and wise approach."

In a call for national unity, Gemayel emphasized the importance of embracing the Shiite community and encouraging voices within it that advocate for national cohesion under the state's authority.

"Lebanon's future should be built on embracing diversity and building citizenship, where all Lebanese feel a sense of belonging to the state, regardless of their sect," he argued, adding that the current sectarian system has "failed to build trust among the Lebanese."

He also pointed to the sensitive issue of demographic shifts, stating, "no one dares admit that the problem in Beirut's municipality is demographic."

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, who also participated in the panel, echoed the need for change but expressed skepticism about the feasibility of abolishing the sectarian system entirely.

"I wish to abolish sectarianism, but is this achievable?" Jumblatt questioned, citing religious opposition to civil marriage as an example. 

He traced the roots of the sectarian system back to the Ottoman millet system, solidified by the French mandate, and wondered if Lebanon could truly break free.

While acknowledging the necessity for change, Jumblatt cautioned against completely dismantling the sectarian framework, suggesting it could lead to instability.

"Lebanon is in need of change, some aspects could be revised, but changing the sectarian system is not advisable as it might lead to uncertainty," he stated.

However, he added that the system could be updated by implementing the pending provisions of the Taif Agreement.

Jumblatt also underscored the interconnectedness of Lebanon with regional developments, particularly the significant shifts in Syria and the wider Middle East. He stressed the importance of adhering to the "Greater Lebanon map" while acknowledging the conditional nature of its borders pending a resolution to the Palestinian issue.

Ultimately, Jumblatt concluded that Lebanon's future hinges on supporting the army, fostering national unity, and carefully navigating its international and regional relationships.

He also extended his gratitude to former President Amine Gemayel and Samy Gemayel for convening the timely discussion.

Despite their differing perspectives on the path forward, both Gemayel and Jumblatt expressed hope that the conference would foster dialogue and understanding among the diverse Lebanese political landscape.

"Today, we have different political backgrounds, yet the richness of this meeting lies in these backgrounds. Our entire focus is to secure a better future for all Lebanese, where they can live in peace, stability, and hope for the future in their own country, no matter their sect," Gemayel concluded.

The conference, moderated by TV presenter Albert Kostanian, drew a distinguished audience including President Amine Gemayel and his wife Joyce, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Taymour Jumblatt, MP Elias Hankach, and numerous former ministers and MPs.