Youth4Peace

Youth4Peace was

“Peace is more than a ceasefire—it means security, participation, and a life without fear.” This quote from one participant illustrates the conviction with which eighty young adults from 26 countries gathered in Berlin from May 3 to 9, 2025, for the international youth exchange “Youth4Peace”. Together, they sent a strong signal for democracy, human rights, and international dialogue—and they were heard: as part of the program, they engaged in conversations with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Federal Youth Minister Karin Prien and presented their self-developed “Agenda for Peace.”

The intensive week of encounters was devoted entirely to actively engaging with the history, present, and future of peace and democracy. In workshops, discussions with contemporary witnesses, and creative formats, the participants developed visions and demands for a more peaceful world. Many of the young adults have their own experiences with war, discrimination, or political repression. Their commitment—whether in political education, the fight for human rights, or dealing with social exclusion—gives their perspectives particular depth and urgency.

Highlights with a signal effect

On May 8—the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe—the young people took part in the official commemoration ceremony in the German Bundestag. Afterwards, they met with Chancellor Merz for a personal conversation at the Chancellery. He subsequently wrote on social media: “We want to do more to enable young people in our country to participate more effectively.” The Youth4Peace delegation took the opportunity to present their agenda for peace and emphasize their role as agents of change.

Federal Youth Minister Karin Prien was also impressed by the young adults‘ commitment at the closing event at the Centre Français in Berlin. She praised international youth work as an important contribution to peace work and emphasized: “Youth exchanges such as Youth4Peace are a space that broadens horizons and connects people across borders. Peace must be achieved and defended – by each generation anew.”

Youth exchange as peace work

Youth4Peace was organized by nine international youth work organizations. They all share the conviction that personal exchange can break down prejudices, promote understanding, and contribute to democratic resilience. „Youth4Peace impressively demonstrates that young people don’t just talk about peace – they take action. International youth exchange gives them space to share experiences, learn from each other, and develop shared visions for the future. This is democracy in action across borders,“ explains Daniel Poli, Director of IJAB.

During the week, the participants developed concrete projects that they will pursue in their home countries – as multipliers for peace, participation, and social cohesion.

YOU & Youth4Peace
The youth4peace agenda was published here on 8 May at 5.00 pm. You can find it here.

The results of the workshops can be found here.

Supported by a strong network

Youth4Peace is supported by

• ConAct – Coordination Center for German-Israeli Youth Exchange
• German Federal Youth Council (DBJR)
• German-French Youth Office (DFJW)
• German-Greek Youth Office (DGJW)
• German-Polish Youth Office (DPJW)
• IJAB – International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany e.V.
• YOUTH for Europe – National Agency Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps
• Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)
• Tandem – Coordination Center for German-Czech Youth Exchange