Bridging the World’s Youth for Peace: Key Insights from the International Youth Peace Conference

In a world where conflicts persist and divisions deepen, young leaders from across the globe gathered under the banner of peace at the International Youth Peace Conference, held in conjunction with the 9th anniversary of the HWPL 9.18 World Peace Summit. With over 1,800 participants from 121 countries, the event, hosted by the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), served as a platform for discussing sustainable peace initiatives and strengthening global youth collaboration.

Empowering Youth Through Peace Education

Noah Amrono, Secretary-General of the United Nations Youth Association of Kenya, emphasized the role of education in fostering sustainable peace. Presenting on "Educational Approaches for Collaborative Peacebuilding," he argued that peace education should go beyond theoretical knowledge to actively involve young people in conflict resolution and community engagement.

"Education is not just about knowledge transfer; it is about learning how to coexist and cooperate," Amrono stated. He underscored the importance of offering educational opportunities to youth in conflict zones, enabling them to become advocates for peace within their own communities. His insights highlighted successful peace education projects in East Africa, which integrate schools and local communities to encourage youth participation in peacekeeping efforts.

Public Art as a Catalyst for Social Integration

João António Soares, a professor at East Timor’s Peace University, presented a unique perspective on peacebuilding through public art. In his speech, "Promoting Social Integration Through Public Art Projects," he discussed how artistic initiatives can bridge divides and foster unity in post-conflict societies.

"Public art is more than aesthetic expression—it is a medium for healing and dialogue," he explained. Drawing from East Timor’s community-led mural projects, he illustrated how art can bring people together, preserving historical narratives while fostering collaboration between different societal groups. The initiatives encourage youth participation, empowering them to use creativity as a tool for peace.

Youth-Led Peace Clubs for Sustainable Development

Rajan Panthee, founder of Nepal’s WeCan Group, introduced the concept of peace clubs as a sustainable model for grassroots peacebuilding. In his presentation, "Implementing Peace Clubs for Sustainable Development," Panthee highlighted how these community-driven organizations play a crucial role in conflict prevention and resolution.

According to Panthee, "Peace clubs provide practical platforms for dialogue and cooperation, enabling youth to take the lead in resolving local disputes and fostering social cohesion." He shared success stories from Nepal, where peace clubs have helped bridge generational and ethnic divides, empowering young leaders to become agents of change.

Strengthening Intergenerational Collaboration for Heritage Conservation

Representing the Mongolian Youth Committee, Hulan, the Project Director of IPYG’s Mongolia branch, spoke on "Enhancing Intergenerational Capacity to Protect Natural Heritage." She stressed the significance of preserving natural heritage as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and called for stronger collaboration between generations.

"Natural heritage is not just a physical asset; it is a legacy for future generations," she stated, advocating for youth-led conservation efforts. She showcased initiatives in Mongolia where local communities engage young people in ecological preservation through environmental workshops and field programs. Hulan emphasized that intergenerational knowledge sharing is crucial for integrating traditional conservation methods with modern approaches.

Uniting for a Peaceful Future

The International Youth Peace Conference reaffirmed that young leaders worldwide are not just participants in the peace process but essential drivers of change. Through education, art, community initiatives, and conservation efforts, they are actively shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future. The event underscored the power of collective action and the importance of equipping youth with the tools and opportunities necessary to lead global peace efforts.

As the conference concluded, the message was clear: peace is not a distant ideal—it is a movement fueled by the passion and commitment of young people worldwide. Through continued collaboration, advocacy, and action, a world free from war and conflict is not just a dream, but an achievable reality.