Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea: A Powerful Kickoff in Rabat

On March 22, 2025, a dynamic group of 13 passionate youth workers from Rabat gathered to officially launch the “Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea” project. This ambitious 24-month initiative, funded by the European Union under reference number 101131182, is designed to empower young people by providing them with the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge to actively promote peace and social justice within their communities.

The kickoff session served as a comprehensive introduction to the core themes of the project, which include peace education, human rights, and conflict resolution. The agenda aimed not only to familiarize participants with these key concepts but also to create a collaborative space where they could begin to explore how these ideas could be applied in real-world contexts.

The event welcomed a blend of familiar faces former volunteers and experienced youth workers who have previously collaborated with our organization as well as a wave of new energy brought by fresh participants. Many of these newcomers were university students who discovered the project through social media outreach or by word of mouth. Their enthusiasm was immediately evident, particularly during hands-on activities focused on practical skill-building.

Participants were especially engaged when introduced to creative tools such as video editing and content creation. These interactive sessions sparked excitement and encouraged active participation. Moreover, they served as a springboard for brainstorming innovative strategies to involve even more young people in peacebuilding initiatives across the region.

As the session progressed, it became clear that the participants were making meaningful strides in their understanding and application of key concepts. They demonstrated a solid grasp of human rights principles and showed increased confidence in incorporating these principles into their work with local communities. Their ability to navigate and respect cultural diversity through intercultural approaches also showed notable improvement.

In addition, participants practiced conflict resolution techniques through role-playing exercises that simulated real-life scenarios. These activities helped sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also explored the intrinsic link between sustainable development and peacebuilding, deepening their awareness of how long-term social and environmental strategies contribute to lasting peace.

Overall, the session marked a strong and inspiring beginning to what promises to be a transformative journey—not only for the participants but also for the broader communities they serve.