The final documentation from Youth4Peace offers a comprehensive insight into a unique youth encounter, in which 80 young people from 26 countries met in Berlin from 3 to 10 May 2025 to actively work on solutions for peace and democracy.
UNITED VOICES : FUTURE CHOICES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Introduction
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Message for the final documentation
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May 8: A day of remembrance and responsibility
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Arriving & Plenary
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What does peace mean to you?
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Visit to Sachsenhausen
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Conversation with a contemporary witness
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How do we remember?
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Visit of the Federal Chancellery of Germany and meeting the German Chancellor
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WORKSHOPS
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The bright side of memory
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Remember – witnessing history
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The Evolution of Democracy: Understanding its roots and protecting its future in a digital world
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Beyond Talk: Taking Action for an Inclusive Future
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Beyond Youth Participation
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Creating meaningful peace stories
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Peace for you(th)
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Commemoration – a collective work of art
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Plenary sessions
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THE YOUTH4PEACE AGENDA – WHAT DOES PEACE NEED TO ENDURE?
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We met as strangers and left as friends: a letter from the Youth4Peace summit in Berlin 58
Imprint
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DEAR READERS, when we first envisioned the idea of Youth4Peace – to bring together 80 young people on the occa- sion of the 80th anniversary of the Second World War – it quickly became clear that a project of such magnitude and historic significance called for a thoughtful, inclusive, and internationally coordinated approach. An approach that not only honours the past but also empowers young voices to actively shape a peaceful future. To this end, we invited young participants from 26 countries, assembled a highly diverse and interna- tional team, designed a multifaceted programme, and began our shared journey on May 3, 2025, at the Centre Français de Berlin. For the first time in the field of international youth work, nine European and international organi- sations collaborated to initiate and implement such a unique youth encounter. The consortium consisted of the Franco-German Youth Office (DFJW), the German Federal Youth Council (DBJR), the German-Greek Youth Office (DGJW), the German-Polish Youth Office (DPJW), IJAB – Inter- national Youth Service of the Federal Republic of
Germany, JUGEND für Europa (JfE), the Coordi- nation Centre for German-Israeli Youth Exchange (ConAct), the Czech-German Youth Exchange Coordination Centre (Tandem) and the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). It has been both a great privilege and a deeply rewarding experience to witness so many engaged, politically aware and motivated young people come together to share their ideas, demands and visions for the future.
We are especially grateful that many of them have contributed to this final report.
We wish them every success on the path ahead – and you, dear readers, an inspiring and enriching read.
On behalf of all implementing organisations, Daniel Poli Director, IJAB – International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany
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MESSAGE FOR THE FINAL DOCUMENTATION
of the Youth4Peace international youth encounter to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. How can we preserve peace and freedom in Europe? What connects us today with the darkest chapters in German and European history? The ques- tions the participants in the Youth4Peace international youth encounter addressed this year are more relevant now than ever before. Because 80 years after the end of the Second World War, we have to defend our freedom and our democratic values. With the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has turned its back on all the rules which have underpinned our co-existence in Europe since the end of the Second World War. Our response to this devel- opment must be to strengthen our European defence and our European cohesion at the same time. Youth exchange is an invaluable contribution towards this goal. This was one of the issues we discussed at our meeting in the Federal Chancellery on 8 May. After all, the strength of European understanding can only prevail and evolve if every generation plays an active role in it. Projects such as Youth4Peace enable young people to network across borders, make friends and find common ground. This allows them to promote international understanding in the best sense of the word and to lay the foundation for a future of peace and cooperation in Europe. For that, I would like to thank all participants.
Friedrich Merz Federal Chancellor
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MAY 8: A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Distinguished readers,
May 8 is an important day for Europe and the world. It marks the end of World War II, which affected countless nations and caused immea- surable suffering and death. Eighty years ago, our continent was liberated from the tyranny of National Socialism. Millions of people who had suffered persecution and dictatorship could finally breathe a sigh of relief. But peace was anything but secure at that time. It was achieved through diplomacy, cooperation, and the courage of many people. People who said: “Never again!” This message is more relevant today than ever. Peace cannot be taken for granted. Peace must be achieved and defended. Peace is a decision that every generation must take anew. The current crises show how important remembrance is in order to take responsibility for the future. Remem- brance is not merely looking back. Remembrance is active action – it means taking a stand in the here and now. A culture of remembrance also means protecting democracy when it is threat- ened; showing moral courage where indifference prevails; maintaining a stance where populism divides. To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, 80 young adults from 26 countries gath- ered in Berlin this May. They were responding to an invitation from nine international youth work organisations. Many of them have been shaped by their own experiences of war, discrimination, or
political oppression. In workshops and discussions, including with eyewitnesses from countries such as Ukraine and Israel, they developed projects, demands, and visions for peace and democracy. A key outcome of the youth camp was the “Peace Agenda”: the action plan contains concrete steps and project ideas that stand for a more peaceful coexistence and greater cross-border engage- ment among young people. In a world that is constantly changing, clear and concrete guide- lines are needed to achieve sustainable improve- ments. An agenda that is both visionary and prac- tical can make a real difference. The participants succeeded very well in this. We will incorporate the proposals into our ongoing work and, above all, further strengthen the central role of interna- tional youth exchange. Since the end of World War II, exchanges between young people from different countries have been an important educational opportunity and element of peace work. Through personal encoun- ters, young people learn not to let themselves be divided by nationality, religion, history, or origin, but to seek common ground. They break down prejudices, understand the perspectives of others, and practice resolving political conflicts peace- fully. This not only promotes mutual respect and tolerance, but also strengthens young people's ability to work for peace and democracy.
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The Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth supports numerous international youth exchanges and professional development programmes. It enables young people to gain international experience, acquire intercultural skills, and learn to value diversity. Now more than ever, in a time marked by war and crises, the importance of stable inter- national partnerships and civil society networks is becoming apparent: they create reliable spaces in which young people can participate and actively shape the society of the future. After all, today's young generation will determine the direction in which international relations will develop in the future. I would like to thank all the young people who took part in the event and the organisers involved for their great commitment!
Karin Prien Federal Minister for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
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ARRIVING & PLENARY INVESTING IN YOUTH, PEACE AND DEMOCRACY May 8, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This mile-stone compels us to reflect on the lessons of history – and to act with renewed urgency in the face of rising rightwing extremism and aggression around the world. Today, the question of how young people can meaningfully contribute to peace and democracy is more pressing than ever. Youth4Peace is an international initiative rooted in dialogue, exchange, and mutual understanding. It offers a platform to 80 young people from 26 countries to come together, share experiences, and collaboratively develop concrete steps to shape a peaceful and democratic future based on their unique perspectives. After World War II, youth exchanges across countries helped foster a new spirit of understanding and cooperation in Europe. They promoted values like human rights, empathy, and peace. Since then, countless committed people – many of them volunteers – have been working to give millions of young people the chance to meet, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships across borders and crises. Today, youth work, education and civil society form a strong network across Europe. This network supports solidarity and a shared European identity. It allows young people to experience intercultural learning, international coop- eration, and to develop their own skills and confidence in new environments. A majority of young people would like to take part in an international youth exchange during their youth, be it in school or in the field of non-formal education. But still, only a minority of young people take part in such a shaping experience. Youth exchanges must be open to all young people. They should be more inclusive, accessible, and truly available to everyone – because Europe’s peaceful and democratic future depends on the partner- ship with its young generation.
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YOUNG PEOPLE
26 COUNTRIES
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The incumbent German government promised in the coalition treaty to increase the budget for youth exchange, the bilateral youth offices and expert centers for international exchange in Germany significantly. This is great news for young people. Strong youth work needs strong support and long-term planning, both of which will be guaranteed by the further devel- opment of the Federal Child and Youth Plan. Not only in Germany, all over Europe young people and youth organizations are in need of greater support. Therefore, we call on the European Commission, the EU member states and the European Parliament to considerably increase the EU funding explicitly for youth exchanges and youth participation in the next Multiannual Finan- cial Framework starting in 2028. In times of aggression and war, young people’s cross-border learning and long-term friendships are more than ever needed to contribute to building a more peaceful and secure world. We look forward to working together on the details of these plans – to help build a stronger, more inclusive system for international youth exchanges as part of a broad educational strategy.
Let’s invest in youth, in peace, and in democracy – across borders and for future generations.
Authors: All implementing organisations of Youth4Peace
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WHAT DOES PEACE MEAN TO YOU?
"It’s about spending time with the people you love without the fear of losing them every day."
"The feeling of acceptance – of oneself, others and everything around us."
"Peace is the foundation of liberty, democracy and equality."
"Peace is the absolute desired state and that we have to actively work for it every day".
"It encompasses mutual respect, empathy, and the ability to engage in cons- tructive dialogue."
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"Without peace we cannot talk about democracy, equality or equity. Peace
is a foundation of a democratic society."
"It is about ensuring that young people are not just passive observers but key drivers of change."
"It includes well-functio- ning reliable institutions, freedom of information, the promotion of equality and respect of human rights."
"It’s not just the absence of conflict but the presence of human rights, democracy, and sustainability."
"Peace translates into empowered youth, who actively participate in decision-making."
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VISIT TO SACHSENHAUSEN Participating in the Youth4Peace project in Berlin has been a journey beyond expectations, a journey of remembrance, learning, and personal transformation. Among the most powerful moments was the visit to the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, followed by the deeply moving commemoration ceremony.
Coming from Republic of Moldova, a country with its own complex past and ongoing democratic journey, this experience touched me on a deeply personal level. Walking through the grounds of Sachsenhausen, I felt the weight of history pressing on my chest. It wasn’t just a museum it was a space of silent screams, of injustice frozen in time. Every wall, every gravel path told a story of lives lost and dignity stolen. And yet, amidst this heaviness, I also felt a deep responsibility: to remember, to speak, and to act.
The commemoration ceremony was a powerful reminder of how essential memory is in building peace. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other young people from different countries, we honored not only the victims of past atrocities but also the resilience of the human spirit. Lighting a candle became a symbol fragile yet persistent of our collective commitment to "never again."
„ WALKING THROUGH THE GROUNDS OF SACHSENHAUSEN, I FELT THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY PRESSING ON MY CHEST.
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„ WHAT STRUCK ME MOST WAS HOW RELEVANT THIS EXPERIENCE FELT TO OUR WORLD TODAY.
What struck me most was how rele- vant this experience felt to our world today. In a time of increasing polar- ization, conflict, and disinformation, places like Sachsenhausen are not just historical they are warnings. And youth like us are not just participants we are messengers. This visit reminded me that peace is not passive. It is active, loud, and lived. And remembrance is one of its most powerful tools.
Author: Mădălina - Mihaela Antoci, Moldova
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CONVERSATION WITH A CONTEMPORARY WITNESS During my visit to the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum with Youth4Peace, I had the chance to listen to Mr. Bogdan Bartnikowski's story in person. He began by briefly painting the greater picture of the era - the events that led up to him being imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and Auschwitz, the Warsaw Uprising, and other major events.
As a Polish person, at first, I didn’t think much of it, given I did learn very similar representations of history in school, but I soon realised that this expe- rience was going to be way different from what I already knew. One thing is learning the raw knowl- edge of given events and a completely different one is listening to those very personal and trau- matic memories taken from one’s life. Personal recollections connect far better with the audi- ence, engaging them emotionally and allowing them to understand these events at a far deeper level. Listening to Mr. Bartnikowski’s account gave me new meaning to many stories and phrases I had heard previously. “For them we were just numbers” - a quote I used to simply understand as a fact - now forever changed to include the real pain heard through Mr. Bartnikowski’s voice. We usually learn about these people as a group, and ironically, that often means considering them as nothing more than numbers - but now, for the first time, those numbers became real individ- uals in my true perception. Something which was shocking and isn’t too often talked about is that
many prisoners in concentration camps were chil- dren, including Mr. Bartnikowski, who was only 13 years old. But the Nazis did not care - they treated him as if he was physically and mentally an adult. No soft treatment was given; he had to endure something many adults could not handle, let alone a child. During his whole speech, I had many thoughts running through my mind and I have to admit that I did cry a little. It was very hard to process every- thing logically, but most importantly emotionally. I tried very hard to even attempt to comprehend what he could have really felt then. I said it then and I will say it now. I feel like no matter how long I try, I will not be able to fully comprehend the full extent of the pain and suffering imposed by the
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„ I SOON REALISED THAT THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GOING TO BE WAY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT I ALREADY KNEW.
the oppression he met from the Soviets. The only way this knowledge persisted is thanks to the fact that he shared it with my family, but it makes me wonder just how much he hid from us or didn’t feel comfortable telling. Mr. Bartnikowski said that he told no one about the things he experienced for years simply due to the sheer trauma those memories bring back. I can’t help but think about the things he, the other survivors, and my great grandfather did not tell anyone. I will never forget this experience and I am thankful for having the opportunity to meet and connect with Mr. Bartni- kowski. It certainly changed a lot about my under- standing and outlook on many events and acts taken during WW2.
Nazi regime. Whenever I try to comprehend it logi- cally, it’s very easy to leave out the emotional part of the equation, which is crucial to know and feel, but whenever I focus on the emotions, it becomes ever so harder to truly know rationally what even happened, or what could have gone through the minds of the oppressors as well as the victims. This experience also gave me a new perspective on the stories told about my own Great Grandfa- ther - Wacław Król, who was an elite fighter ace. Although he wrote many books documenting his experiences, he had to leave out many details, like
Author: Wiktor Jeryś, Poland
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HOW DO WE REMEMBER? Remembrance is never one-dimensional. It unfolds in many layers – through knowl- edge and facts, through encounters across borders, embedded in the social and political challenges of our time, and through deeply personal stories. Youth4Peace was a space where these dimensions came together.
Remembering through knowledge
remembrance from something abstract into something lived – a bridge between people and generations. One moment that left a particularly lasting impression on many of us was a meeting with the descendants of the massacre of Oradour-sur- Glane, notably the granddaughter of a Nazi perpe- trator and the son of a survivor. In moments like these, it became palpable that only rapproche- ment and shared remembrance can create a space that resists hatred – hatred that sometimes echoes across generations.
Even before we met in Berlin, we spoke in prepa- ratory online meetings about historical contexts, different forms of remembrance across countries, and the meaning of remembrance itself. Once in Berlin, participants engaged with experts, visited memorial sites, and discussed the crimes of the National Socialists and the consequences of the Second World War. These debates clearly revealed that remembrance requires precision, as well as a willingness to face some uncomfortable truths.
Remembering through encounters
Remembering as part of a greater whole
Equally important was the dimension of encoun- ters. Young people from more than twenty coun- tries came together to share perspectives and experiences. Standing side by side at memorial sites or exchanging thoughts in workshops made history tangible. These encounters transformed
Remembrance never stands alone. It is woven into the challenges of our time. This became especially clear during our visit to the German Bundestag on May 8, 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This commemorative session
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linked past and present. The speakers recalled the devastation of 1945 and at the same time recalled the importance of present-day tasks – to safeguard democracy, stand up against war and injustice and keep remembrance alive. One especially profound moment came when the group reflected on the perspective of women during the Nazi era – their stories, their experi- ences and their acts of resistance. This, too, is remembrance: not only what is told out loud, but also what has long been overlooked. For us, this experience delivered a powerful insight, namely that commemoration is not just retrospection. It is a mandate for the future.
to the testimony of a Polish survivor of the Sach- senhausen camp. His words made history imme- diate and was testament to the strength that lies in individuals and their narratives. We also heard from two artists from Ukraine, who shared their experiences of the current war. They connected the memory of the past with the pain of the present, reminding us that remembrance is not a closed chapter, but instead remains tied to the present. Many participants contributed their own fami- lies’ stories. Some linked the memory of the war eighty years ago with personal experiences of violence and loss. Their voices made clear that remembrance is not only a matter of collective history. Rather, it becomes human and percep- tible through the stories of individuals.
Remembering as a personal story
Remembrance is always personal. One of the most moving moments came when we listened
What remains – and what lies ahead?
Remembering through knowledge, through encounters, as part of a greater whole, and through personal stories: these four dimensions are what shaped Youth4Peace. That said, remem- brance does not end at the gates of a memorial. Nor does it begin only in the history books. Perhaps it begins in a conversation. In a moment of pause. In a question that cannot, or need not, be answered straight away.
Authors: Annika Gehring & Till Veerbeck-Stroetmann, Organizers
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VISIT OF THE FEDERAL CHANCELLERY OF GERMANY AND MEETING THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR
I am also glad that the Youth4Peace participants from Ukraine had the opportunity to directly address one of the key decision-makers in the European Union, emphasizing the importance of united and continuous support for their country in defending itself against the Russian Federa- tion, which is pursuing its neo-imperial policy at the cost of thousands of men’s, women’s, and children’s lives. Of course, these are Germany’s strategic decisions, but the fact that the head of state can meet with representatives of Ukrainian youth demonstrates the immense purpose of the support that has so far been given to Ukraine—so that future generations can pursue their plans and aspirations as people free from fear for their own safety. For these reasons, I am truly grateful to all organisations which made this meeting and Youth4Peace possible.
The meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz was the first time I had the opportunity to engage with such an important politician in the Euro- pean Union and, within just an hour, to address the most crucial topics concerning European security and future prospects for peace on our continent. The timing of this meeting, in May 2025, was a breakthrough moment for Germany’s role in the security structure of the North Atlantic Alliance. It was then, just a week after our visit, that the decision was announced to significantly increase the personnel of the German army and to aim for military spending at the level of 5% of GDP—a major shift from the previous stance of the German government, particularly in the context of the historic decision to raise Germany’s allow- able debt levels in order to meet the challenge of large-scale rearmament.
Author: Seweryn Nowak, Poland
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Additional Information
Some used the meeting to speak on behalf of their generation by reminding the Federal Chancellor of their interest in and stances on geopolitical questions and problems such as climate change, the effects of social media on election campaigns and calls for regulation, and the need to reform educational systems so more young people become politically interested. Others took the opportunity to make a statement, among them a Ukrainian participant who empha- sized the importance of Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine. Her words “I am happy to be here because it means to be alive,” were met with spontaneous applause. Friedrich Merz responded by highlighting the significance of such expressions of unity.
„ THE YOUTH4PEACE PARTICIPANTS FROM UKRAINE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECTLY ADDRESS ONE OF THE KEY DECISION-MAKERS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION... The participants of Youth4Peace were able to meet with Germany’s Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on May 8, 2025, just two days after he had been sworn into office. For most of the participants, the hour-long meeting with one of the country’s most prominent political representatives was the highlight of the project week. After a group photo, a warm welcome and the handover of the peace agenda, the participants were able to ask Friedrich Merz about issues of personal interest to them, among them pivotal topics such as migration, spending or the preservation of demo- cratic structures.
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WORKSHOPS The diversity of young people is reflected in the diverse ways they engage and participate. While some might feel more comfortable with content-driven discussions, others might prefer to take a more creative approach to expressing their ideas, demands and emotions. Accordingly, allowing every participant to choose the form of engagement with which they feel most comfort- able was one of the core principles of Youth4Peace. It resulted in eight different workshops addressing a broad range of topics such as commemoration, inclusion, youth participation and peace-storytelling. The partici- pants were assigned to the workshops in line with their personal preferences, ensuring their experience would fit in well with their prior engagement and personal inter- ests and beliefs. In addition, some participants attended the workshop that was tasked with creating the Agenda that would later be presented to Germany’s Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Federal Youth Minister Karin Prien. The participants’ intensive, week-long engagement within their workshop groups and their respective topics not only resulted in a variety of creative and precious outcomes with alternative approaches, it also gave them many profound impressions and moments of self-re- flection to take home with them. The following pages feature some participants’ written impressions of what they experienced in the workshops.
Workshop 1
THE BRIGHT SIDE OF MEMORY
Workshop facilitator: Ludovic Fresse
I participated in the workshop “The Bright Side of Memory.” This program aimed to explore innovative ways of remembrance and to create a participatory handbook that inspires young people to take initiative in peace-related activities. Growing up in Hiroshima, I have learned from an early age about both the importance of peace and the diffi- culty of making peacebuilding, and I have actively taken part in peace activities. At the same time, with the aging of the atomic bomb survivors, I have strongly felt the need to do something so that the tragic reality of the bombing will not fade from memory. I chose this workshop because it offered the opportunity to discuss with people from diverse countries about: Why should we remember? What does “never again” really mean? During the workshop, we engaged in deep discus- sions about each participant’s national historical backgrounds and current situation, and together we summarized different approaches to achieving peace. One of the most impressive moments was when partic- ipants from Ukraine and Israel shared that they were still living in environments without peace. I was also surprised when someone asked me, upon hearing I came from Hiroshima, “Was it possible to live there?” At first, I felt sad at such a question, but after listening to the Ukrainian situation—where many cannot return home because it is destroyed or too dangerous because of the war—I came to understand the question behind it. It made me realize that war is not just a past but an ongoing tragedy in our present world.
What I came to believe strongly through this project is that we should not hate specific countries but rather hate war itself. Reflecting on why human beings continue to fight, why concentration camps are created, and why conflicts persist, I felt deep frustration with human folly. At the same time, I reaffirmed that peace is not something achieved merely by prayers or wishes— it must be pursued and realized through continuous effort.
Author: Haruka Maeda, Japan
Link to Website
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Workshop 2
REMEMBER – WITNESSING HISTORY
Workshop facilitator: Zuzana Verešová
During the project " Youth4Peace " I was part of the workshop commemoration.
We talked about history, not only our own personal history, but also the history of our families and our coun- tries. It was quite an inspiring experience. Even though we all came from different places, we still shared some experiences and as an result of them we all were there. Curious and interested in meeting new people, new cultures and to work together. Which meant for our group to prepare a small memorial service for the visit of the Sachsenhausen Memorial.
For this we worked a lot with the happenings during the second world war and the reign of the nazi party.
it is, that we stand together and support each other. It was very valuable to hear the insights and opinions of young people, who come from other places and grew up in other conditions than I did. The whole week emphasized that if we want to change something we need to work together. We need the involvement of all the different perceptions and life realities to form an equally peaceful future for everyone.
Not only did we learn about the pure facts and numbers this war brought with itself, but also about certain fates and the complex social situation back then. Through different methods we got an understanding of the life back then and how much the victims of the nazi regime had to suffer. Sharing the experience with these other great young people showed me that sometimes our history is the reality others still have to live in and how important it is that we teach and learn with compassion and an open mind. That we should never assume things about each other, the damage prejudice can do and how important
Author: Mia Klebe, Germany
Link to Website
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Workshop 3
THE EVOLUTION OF DEMOCRACY: UNDERSTANDING ITS ROOTS AND PROTECTING ITS FUTURE IN A DIGITAL WORLD
We discussed a lot in groups and our opinions often diverged. This made consensus-building challenging, particularly during the final role-play exercise, but enriching. By the end, we had developed three project proposals related to strengthening democracy. One idea I contributed to aimed at increasing transparency and participation in European elections through an online platform where citizens could easily access and compare candidates’ programmes, key positions, and thematic priorities. The goal was to help voters make more informed decisions and reengage citizens, especially those feeling disconnected from European politics or the electoral process.
Workshop facilitators: Benjamin Günther & Maryam Mirza
The workshop was designed as a scientific approach to democracy with interactive role-play exercises, aiming to equip participants to design their own simulation activities and, potentially, conceptualize a follow-up conference. We explored the foundations, characteristics, and historical evolution of democracy through presentations, a site visit in Berlin, a video call with an expert on the Rule of Law as a fundamental democratic principle, and a final role-play activity during which we discussed our “ideal society” and system of governance. Topics included the relationship between democracy and education (citizenship education more precisely), the importance and impact of commem- orations, and current democratic challenges in our own countries, with a particular focus on the US and Europe. We also debated the role of media in shaping public opinion and the importance of digital resilience. I chose this workshop as I’ve always been curious about how democracy works in practice, especially because I’ve lived and studied in countries with very different polit- ical systems, from France and Canada to Mongolia and Albania. Experiencing these differences firsthand made me want to better understand how democratic values are built, protected, and sometimes challenged. I’d also taken part in previous projects on peace and democ- racy, but what drew me in this project was the diversity of the participants: people with very different experiences of democracy, or even the lack of it. I was most interested in a more reflection-based workshop over an artistic one because I expected this workshop to provide me not only theoretical insights and reading mate- rials, but also a creative environment with innovative and realistic potential outputs resulting from this project.
The diversity of participants, both in terms of country of origin and civic engagement, was a key personal highlight.
I also appreciated the project’s flexible structure, which encouraged participant-driven initiatives. If a group wanted to develop a creative idea or organize an activity, there was enough freedom and support to make it happen. In that sense, the experience was truly shaped by what we, as participants, chose to create and contribute to.
Author: Loli Chibko, France
Link to Website
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Workshop 4
BEYOND TALK: TAKING ACTION FOR AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE
Workshop facilitator: Dominik Mosiczuk
During the “ Youth4Peace ” week in Berlin, I took part in the workshop Beyond Talk: Taking Action for an Inclusive Future. Its main focus was on fostering mean- ingful discussions and debates around inclusivity and diversity. Throughout the week, we explored various dimensions of diversity, including gender, sexual orien- tation, ethnicity, disability, religion, and political beliefs. The workshop provided a platform where participants openly shared what aspects of their identity they feel most connected to, encouraging mutual understanding and respect among a diverse group of people. I chose this workshop because inclusivity is not only a passion of mine but a core value that I believe must be integrated into democratic processes to achieve true equality. I am particularly concerned about structural discrimination that affects minorities, whether social, economic, or political and the persistent inequalities that marginalize many groups in society. This workshop gave me an opportunity to explore these themes in a collab- orative environment and to contribute actively to efforts aimed at making inclusivity more than just rhetoric. Our collective work resulted in two main creative outputs, each designed to raise awareness and chal- lenge social stigmas in different ways. The first was a short video focusing on the idea that speaking with an accent, especially in a language that is not your native tongue reflects your personal history and cultural identity. The video conveyed a powerful message that having an accent is something to be proud of, rather than ashamed, challenging the subtle forms of bias and exclusion people often face based on how they speak. The second output was a set of memes that humorously depicted everyday instances of discrimina- tion in society. These memes were intended not only to entertain but to provoke thought and conversation by highlighting social issues in an accessible format. Posting these memes on IJAB’s Instagram page helped amplify our message to a broader audience, engaging young people through social media, a key platform for modern activism. One of my most significant personal highlights was the dynamic and open atmosphere within the work- shop group. The environment was safe and supportive, encouraging openness, vulnerability, and honest
dialogue. The confessions and ideas shared by partic- ipants enriched my understanding of the issues and inspired me to think critically about my own perspec- tives and biases. The advice and reflections offered by my peers and facilitators were invaluable, helping me to grow both personally and intellectually. Moreover, the friendships that developed during the workshop have continued beyond the project week, fostering a lasting network of like-minded individuals committed to social justice. It was also profoundly rewarding to participate in the full creative process, from initial discussions to producing tangible deliverables that can have real- world impact. The workshop emphasized the impor- tance of moving beyond talk to action, which is essen- tial for meaningful change. In addition to the creative work, the workshop incor- porated a sociological approach that deepened our engagement with the topics. We examined case studies and opinion surveys that shed light on the realities of discrimination and social exclusion. Overall, the workshop was an enriching experience that combined intellectual rigor, creative expression, and community-building. It reaffirmed my commitment to fighting discrimination and promoting inclusivity across all facets of society. I am grateful to have been part of this journey and to contribute my voice to a collective effort striving for a more just and inclusive future.
Author: Petru Mihai, Romania
Link to Website
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Workshop 5
BEYOND YOUTH PARTICIPATION
Workshop facilitator: Dragan Atanasov
Youth participation is a key to building more resil- ient and democratic societies. When young people are engaged in decision-making processes, legisla- tion reflects societal needs more accurately while also preparing the next generation to take the steering wheel of our shared future. Well-designed participa- tion strategies create not only a better today but also a more peaceful and sustainable tomorrow. Yet, too often, young people encounter procedures that are symbolic rather than meaningful. That is why I chose the workshop “Beyond Youth Participation” —to look beyond tokenism and explore how youth engagement can become truly impactful. This was the starting point for our workshop, where ten individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds came together under the guidance of Mr. Dragan Atanasov, an experienced youth worker. We explored the theoretical foundations of civil society and participation, learned about Roger Hart’s Ladder of Youth Participation, exchanged perspectives and first- hand experiences from our communities. Together, we asked ourselves, “What are the main challenges young people face in terms of participation, and how can we improve the current state of affairs?” The diversity of the group proved to be our greatest strength. Although we came from over nine different countries, we discovered that many of our struggles were the same. We spoke about tokenism—youth repre- sentation existing only for appearances—and about the challenges of motivating peers or lacking the frame- works needed for lasting engagement. These conversa- tions allowed us to see the real gaps and work together toward meaningful solutions. The workshop’s main outcome was a practical toolkit for youth workers: a 15-page document that blends theoretical perspectives with real-life examples tested in practice. Its purpose is to provide a universally adapt- able methodology to strengthen youth participation in different contexts. Beyond the final output, the workshop offered a space to learn from each other, challenge assumptions, and broaden perspectives in a truly empowering environ- ment. Among many powerful stories, listening to a Georgian participant share experiences of persecution
by officials, or hearing how Japanese cultural traditions shape young people, deeply enriched my own under- standing. Such stories reminded me that our chal- lenges are interconnected and that solutions must be viewed through a multifaceted prism. There is a saying that every person is a mosaic of the people and experiences they encounter. This work- shop—and the Youth4Peace event as a whole—added many new fragments to my own mosaic. I leave inspired and determined to carry these lessons with me into the future.
Author: Jan Barva, Czech Republic
Link to Website
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Workshop 6
CREATING MEANINGFUL PEACE STORIES
Workshop facilitator: Tetiana Kriukovska
Over the week of May 8th, I had the opportunity to participate in the “Youth4Peace” conference in Berlin, Germany, commemorating the end of World War II. As part of that conference I took part in the Filmmaking Workshop. I chose this particular workshop because I had just completed my Television and Film Degree at University and wanted to be able to contribute my skills and filmmaking knowledge, as well as, learning how to approach filmmaking through the lens of peace, history, and war as a call to action. Our workshop centered around one question: Why is there still no peace everywhere, and how can we change that? Together, we all brainstormed ideas, shared our personal experiences from our home coun- tries, and discussed not only our fears for the world, but also, our hopes and dreams for the future. As a collective, we decided our message should speak to everyone, especially ordinary people. We spent the final few days filming, editing, and sound designing our film. In this film we wanted to show the struggles and joys of everyday life, while also issuing a call to action for indi- viduals to become a part of the change that we need.
I had a wonderful experience over this week. I formed many new friendships and connections and was able to hear so many different perspectives from my peers around Europe, Japan, Israel, along with the US. Going to a concentration camp and hearing from a survivor in person moved me heavily and left a lasting impact. Having a balance between discussing such heavy topics, but also being able to be lighthearted and fun made the week very unforgettable, especially in the filmmaking workshop. We played games, laughed, and bonded, but we also shared personal stories of grief and war. I felt that our work was meaningful, and I left with both new filmmaking insights and a deeper sense of responsibility toward peace.
Author: Olivia Kikel, USA
Link to Website
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Workshop 7
PEACE FOR YOU(TH)
Workshop facilitator: Cécilia Coulon
Being part of the peace activism workshops in Berlin was something that touched me far beyond the level of just learning. We worked through performance, and every exercise felt like opening a new door inside myself. It wasn’t just about acting—it was about speaking with my whole body, about telling stories of peace in a way words could never fully capture. The heart of this experience was our mentor. She was the gentlest soul I’ve ever met—more like a mother than a teacher. She didn’t only guide us on stage, but also in life, reminding us that activism begins with kindness, listening, and care. Her advice stayed with me, not only as lessons for performance but as small lifelines I still hold onto. These workshops didn’t just inspire me—they truly healed me during days when I needed it most. I walked away stronger, lighter, and with a group of people who now feel like family. And maybe that’s the real magic of peace activism: you arrive as strangers, but you leave carrying pieces of each other’s hearts.
Link to Website
Author: Milana Kandic, Serbia
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Workshop 8
COMMEMORATION – A COLLECTIVE WORK OF ART
Workshop facilitators: Atalya Laufer & Sofiia Holubeva
I am David Kach, 18 years old, from Israel. In my free time, I often paint, so when the opportunity to choose a workshop based on creativity and art appeared to me, I had to take it. Nevertheless, I didn’t stop at simply selecting it as my first choice — I also wrote that I would really appreciate participating in this specific workshop. On the first day, I met our two facilitators – Atalia and Sofiia. Atalia is an Israeli-German artist who works primarily in Berlin, and Sofiia is a Ukrainian artist whose exhibitions are based on Ukraine, often focusing on everyday life and war. The work on the workshop did not commence on the first day, because we spent that day getting to know all the participants and finding connections between us. I remember this activity vividly: we rolled a ball covered in paint across a large sheet of paper and said the name of the person we passed it to. This activity helped me remember everyone’s names, which made connecting with them easier. The whole program revolved around May 8th, with the evening ceremony taking place at the Centre Français de Berlin. And like any good ceremony, it needed a good design. Our workshop created the set for the ceremony. There were many artworks that symbolized various aspects of peace — just as Picasso transformed the dove of peace into the purest symbol of the tran- quility found in peace in his illustration for the 1949 Paris Peace Congress.
My teammate Olga and I made a white dove symbol- izing peace and tranquility. Our dove was center stage at the ceremony as it was for me the whole week. Olga called the dove “our baby,” which shows how emotion- ally invested we were in it. Luckily, our “baby” survived after the conference. A kind facilitator from another team asked if she could take it with her to place on the shores of the Black Sea, a region struck by war since Putin’s invasion of Crimea in March 2014. Knowing that our artwork would continue its journey beyond the conference made me feel that our message of peace had truly reached beyond the City Kino of the Centre Francais de Berlin.
Author: David Kach, Israel
Link to Website
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PLENARY SESSIONS The participants’ engagement in their individual workshop groups and the joint activities were complemented by nuanced plenary sessions, establishing a common basis and stirring discussions regarding conceptions of war, peace and democracy. Many participants used these opportunities to speak their minds or to raise aware- ness for underlying problems or ongoing situations with these concepts either in their country, community or private sphere.
One of these workshops addressed the topic of „Shrinking Spaces: Youth Structures Under Pres- sure“. a phenomenon describing deliberate state measures aimed at silencing critical voices, weak- ening independent organisations and obstructing democratic participation, or other developments with the same effect. Conducted by the German Federal Youth Council (DBJR), participants discussed the phenomenon of shrinking spaces for youth organisations, focusing on threats to democracy and the growing restrictions on civic engagement. Addressed issues included a lack of recognition, challenges to legitimacy, funding cuts, right-wing attacks, and legal persecution of activists and organisations. At the same time, the situation of many youth associations reflects how societies address the needs and interests of young people. In some European countries, youth policy is either absent or applied inconsistently. This lack of reli- able structures undermines democratic partic-
ipation and independent youth representation. Thus, it soon became clear that the extent to which participants were affected differed greatly, leading some to reconsider their own perspec- tives on these developments. In a modified World-Café format, participants engaged in six thematic discussions covering personal experiences of pressure and support, observed developments in peer and partner organisations, and strategies to strengthen resil- ience, increase visibility, and mobilise resources. They further addressed concrete demands to politics and society, explored the role of the EU and multilateral organisations in safeguarding youth structures, and used an open space to raise additional issues of concern. Across the discussions, participants developed strategies for strengthening organisational resilience as well as key demands for decision-makers. Among the central points were the need for adequate and sustainable funding of youth work, the reduction
Youth4Peace 34
6 THEMATIC DISCUSSIONS
CONCRETE DEMANDS TO POLITICS AND SOCIETY
of bureaucratic barriers in funding applications, as well as the importance of safeguarding demo- cratic spaces for young people’s engagement. The concluding session summarised the results and emphasised the importance of international solidarity. Participants highlighted that the diverse threats to democracy worldwide underline the necessity of standing together – not only on issues of everyday youth work but also in broader move- ments defending democracy and human rights. Their engagement prior, during and after Youth- 4Peace shows that young people can shape and create structures, even under the most difficult conditions. Their work within and beyond youth structures becomes a cornerstone of democratic resilience and social participation.
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Author: Christina Schneider, Organizer
IN SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, YOUTH POLICY IS EITHER ABSENT OR APPLIED INCONSISTENTLY. THIS LACK OF RELIABLE STRUCTURES UNDERMINES DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION AND INDEPENDENT YOUTH REPRESENTATION.
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