INTERCULTURAL

LEADERS

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is pleased to launch the Call for Applications for the 8th edition of its Young Peacebuilders programme, focusing for the first time on South Caucasus and Central Asia. The call is open to participants between 18 to 25 years old from the region. Ideal candidates should demonstrate strong interest in enhancing their ability to act as agents of peace in their community and beyond, and to prevent violent extremism through intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

Twenty young people will be selected to participate in an intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding experience. They will interact online through a series of facilitated modules, and in-person during a week-long workshop. After completing the peace education training, participants will act as force multipliers of the lessons learned, and with newly acquired skills and knowledge, they will implement their peacebuilding activities at the community level. At the end of the programme, participants will be invited to attend a symposium and present their experiences, lessons learned, achievements, and recommendations to a broader audience of policymakers, practitioners and representatives from United Nations entities, governments, media and civil society — bringing visibility to their initiatives that are promoting diversity and dialogue.

Implemented within the framework of “Peace4Culture Global Call”, the programme supports the growth of networks of young peacebuilders who are equipped with the tools to address negative stereotypes, prejudice, and polarization to build more inclusive and peaceful societies, tackling the drivers of violent extremism. The long-term aim is their integration into governmental peace processes and policies. It is part of UNAOC educational programming for young people, which seeks to enhance the ability of young people and their organizations to foster mutual respect, understanding, and long-term positive relationships between people of different cultures and religions.

This is a call to youth aged 18-25 from South Caucasus and Central Asia wanting to tackle violent extremism and violence by building inclusive societies with understanding and respect among cultures and religions.

• Are you between 18 and 25 years old? ^*
• Are you a citizen of a South Caucasus and Central Asia** (SCCA) country, and/or do you currently live in this region?
• Are you interested in participating in an intercultural learning experience with other young people from SCCA region and improving your actions to promote peace?
• Are you part of a youth-led organization, network or initiative?
• Do you want to increase your ability to contribute to peace and social inclusion in your community, country, and region?
• Are you in the beginning stages of your involvement in this type of work and want to learn more?

If yes, apply now for a chance to be selected for a fully funded participation in the 8th edition of the UNAOC Young Peacebuilders programme, taking place in the SCCA region (2024-2025).