(ka153) Peace Atlas: A Roadmap for Youth Workers

In recent years, wars, crises, and social issues in Europe and its surrounding regions have weakened ties between societies, increased intolerance, and severely disrupted the culture of peaceful coexistence. The wars in the Middle East, historical ethnic tensions in the Balkans, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the COVID-19 pandemic have profoundly shaken the social, economic, and psychological resilience of individuals and communities. These events have made the need for peace, intercultural dialogue, and solidarity more visible on a global scale than ever before.

The Russia-Ukraine war has not only impacted these two nations but has also deepened the refugee crisis across Europe, heightened social unrest, and intensified economic pressures. The effects of this conflict have underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence based on intercultural understanding. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only strained global healthcare systems but also significantly weakened social structures. The rise in discrimination, social exclusion, and mistrust during the pandemic has reinforced prejudices among individuals. This period has clearly revealed the negative impacts of a lack of solidarity and empathy on peacebuilding efforts.

All these challenges remind us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a sustainable process that must be built on the foundations of justice, equality, solidarity, and mutual understanding. In this context, the roles of youth workers in peacebuilding processes are of critical importance.

The project will take place in Adana, Turkey, and will last for 8 days, plus 2 travel days. We currently have partners from the following countries: Palestine, Lebanon, Bosnia, Italy, Bulgaria, and Albania.