Since 2000 there has been a breakdown in communication and cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. This is particularly damaging from the Israeli side where the Israeli peace camp, while increasing in force, has been working in isolation from the Palestinian realities and developing without Palestinian input.

A primary aim of the Social and Political Forum Project is thus to re-establish a joint analysis, to create strategies for change founded on mutual understanding and objectives.

Integral to this work is the building into its fabric a consideration of post conflict Palestine. While the ongoing conflict justly absorbs much of the local, regional and international attention, the Forum will also initiate debate and planning on topics that will look beyond issues of the political/security. These other issues will focus on the need to engage in the economic, social and cultural future of Palestine and the need to build and prepare for the substantive issues that will affect the Palestinian state's social, economic and cultural development.