Missing Peace

IDG Goal: Goal 2 – Peace through Dialogue

At a time when youth engagement in peacebuilding within local communities remains a challenge, this international youth exchange brought together 18 young people aged 18 to 28 from Germany, Ireland, North Macedonia, Cyprus, and Hungary, 10 women and 8 men, the majority Christian but with several Muslim participants from northern Cyprus and Germany. Held in Merkine, Lithuania, the project tested non-formal methodologies to engage young people from different cultures and faiths in constructive dialogue about peace and conflict, using art as a vehicle to promote a culture of peace. A highlight of the exchange was a “Human Library” event held within the local community, where participants shared personal stories connected to post-conflict transformation, cross-cultural perceptions, and active peacebuilding. This activity successfully achieved its objectives and laid the groundwork for long-term capacity building among the partnering organisations.