Our recent conference “Shared space, shared future?” in Berlin was an extraordinary opportunity to bring together brilliant minds from across Europe to discuss crucial topics such as missing peace, conflict resolution, and human rights. During the event, we were delighted to present the diverse activities of our “The Missing Peace” project through an engaging “poster wall,” which offered participants an in-depth look at our work.
Here’s a detailed overview of the initiatives that are building bridges and fostering dialogue across Europe:
E-Mapping Tool: The interactive platform for Youth Peacebuilding
At the heart of our activities is the E-Mapping Tool, an interactive digital platform that serves as a true “living repository.” This platform showcases 30 case studies of youth-led peacebuilding, reconciliation, and civic engagement initiatives from six European countries: North Macedonia, Cyprus, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, and Hungary. Each case study offers valuable insights into grassroots strategies that promote dialogue, trust-building, and community resilience. The E-Mapping Tool is continuously evolving, ensuring that the knowledge and experiences gathered remain accessible and relevant, supporting the central role of young people in peacebuilding within their communities.
Toolkit & Pilotings: educational resources for peace
To support professionals working with young people in peacebuilding contexts, we developed the “Peace by Piece: Toolkit.” This is a comprehensive, adaptable, and creative educational resource designed to support youth workers, educators, trainers, and community facilitators. The toolkit promotes engaging young people in conversations and learning about conflict, identity, empathy, and reconciliation through non-formal education methods that are participatory, inclusive, and often playful. To ensure its quality, accessibility, and real-life impact, a piloting phase was carried out across 6 countries, involving over 250 participants and 9 tools tested in schools, youth centers, and shared NGO spaces.
Long-term capacity-building program
Our commitment to capacity-building is long-term. We organized:
Youth Exchange in Merkine, Lithuania (May 22-29, 2023): This exchange empowered young people from diverse backgrounds to engage in peacebuilding and reconciliation, strengthening intercultural competence through interactive learning and building. Participants fostered dialogue, non-violent communication, and developed practical skills through workshops, peer learning, and creative activities, equipping young people with tools to promote inclusion and social cohesion.
Training Course in Weimar, Germany (May 16-23, 2024): An intensive training course brought together youth workers, educators, and peacebuilding professionals. Designed as both a training course and a practical lab, the program aimed to equip participants with knowledge, methods, and tools to meaningfully engage young people in peacebuilding processes at the community level. This journey fostered a vibrant and resilient “Actors of Peace and Reconciliation” network across Europe.
Comparative report: understanding challenges and successes
We conducted an in-depth analysis through a Comparative Report, based on focus group interviews and questionnaires with young people, youth workers, and peacebuilding practitioners. Our aim was to draw insights and good practices from youth work and non-formal education to support youth participation and engagement in peacebuilding. We sought answers to key questions such as:
What are the challenges and barriers to young people’s active and meaningful contribution to peace?
What methods are used to support youth engagement in peace processes that promote and sustain peace?
What initiatives exist that recognize and acknowledge youth’s positive contribution to peace?
The report yielded key recommendations, including: Capacity-building, Experiential Learning, Widening Perspectives, and Awareness-raising & Advocacy.
Transnational bridge program for youth activists & educators
The Transnational Bridge Programme was specifically designed to empower young people to become agents of change in their communities. This 18-month program, involving over 80 participants in 34 activities (both online and offline), provides a safe space for learning, development, and active participation in the process of peace and collaboration. Key activities included transnational meetings, training workshops, and individual mentoring sessions.
Study visits: learning from the field in Ireland & North Macedonia
The project facilitated important Study Visits for practical learning:
Ireland (March 5-9, 2023): Participants engaged in an interactive peace education session led by experts in conflict resolution and dialogue facilitation. They explored an innovative wellness, relaxation, and trauma healing program, and had the opportunity to interact with the “Childhood Development Initiative” for restorative practices.
North Macedonia (May 16-23, 2024): Participants visited local organizations, exchanging good practices and identifying common challenges. The aim was to build a solid foundation for future collaboration, moving towards integrating peacebuilding, arts, sports, and creativity.
These posters, proudly displayed in Berlin, are not just informative graphics; they represent years of dedication, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to building a more peaceful future. We extend our gratitude to all the partners and participants who make “The Missing Peace” project possible.
This Conference was part of “The Missing Piece” project (Pr.Nr.: 2022-2-IE01-KA220-YOU-000096690), co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Program.”
