The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is pleased to launch the Call for Applications for the 2019 edition of the Young Peacebuilders in Middle East and North Africa programme. The call is open to participants between 18 to 25 years old, from the region, with a strong interest in growing their ability to act as agents of peace in their community, region and beyond and to prevent violent extremism through intercultural and interfaith dialogue.
20 young women and young men affiliated with youth-led and youth-focused organizations will be selected to participate in an intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding experience. They will interact online through a series of facilitated modules, and in-person, during a one-week workshop. After completing the peace education curriculum, participants will act as a force multiplier of the lessons learned through the programme and actively take part in follow-up activities at the community level. At the end of the project, participants are invited for a symposium to share their experience, lessons learned, achievements and recommendations with a broader audience of practitioners, UN, policy makers, media and civil society, bringing visibility to their initiatives towards promotion of diversity and dialogue.
Implemented with the generous support of the Agencia Extremeña de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AEXCID), the programme supports the growth of networks of young peacebuilders who are equipped with the tools to address negative stereotypes, prejudice and polarization in order to build more inclusive and peaceful societies, tackling the drivers of violent extremism. The long-term aim is their integration in governmental peace processes and policies. It is part of UNAOC’s educational programming for young people, which seeks to enhance the ability of young people and their organizations to foster mutual respect, understanding and long-term positive relationships between peoples of different cultures and religions.
More details on the program and eligibility criteria available here. To apply, click here.