20 participants, aged between 18 and 25 years old, from eight countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, have been selected to participate in the 8th edition of the programme.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is pleased to announce the 8th edition of its flagship Young Peacebuilders (YPB) programme, welcoming a new cohort of participants from the South Caucasus and Central Asia region. YPB is a peace education programme designed to develop a global movement of young peacebuilders committed to become agents of peace — not just in their communities but around the world — utilizing the skills and competencies they gain to advance dialogue and champion intercultural understanding.
The 8th edition of the programme, implemented within the framework of “#Peace4Culture”, a Global Call launched by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan in partnership with UNAOC, attracted nearly 300 applicants from the region. Through a competitive selection process, UNAOC selected 20 participants, aged between 18 and 25 years, from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The programme consists of four phases designed to facilitate a learner-centered and experience-based learning process for participants. These include online modules, a face-to-face workshop, guided project implementation, and a culminating symposium where Young Peacebuilders present their work and share their experiences with senior officials and relevant stakeholders, bringing visibility to their peace initiatives .
The blended learning approach combines online and face-to-face activities with hands-on opportunities for the participants to apply their acquired knowledge in practice. Throughout the programme, the Young Peacebuilders learn how to deconstruct negative stereotypes and prejudice, reduce polarization, and understand different perspectives in identity-based conflicts. They also learn to identify push-and-pull factors that create conditions conducive to violent extremism; use media or visual arts to promote alternative narratives; reflect on ways to increase meaningful youth engagement in their region; and, cultivate the skills necessary to design and run a successful peace project in their respective communities.
In addition, YPB seeks to raise awareness among decision-makers about the need for meaningful inclusion of youth in peace processes and policymaking, in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419 and 2535 on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and the UN Security-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.
UNAOC takes great pride in supporting young and talented leaders who have the potential to create peaceful and inclusive societies. It remains committed to following the progress of its YPB alumni as they work to promote peace in their respective communities, and looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of their efforts.
For more information about the UNAOC Young Peacebuilders, please click here.