Uncategorized

Advancing Peacebuilding: Stakeholder Engagement for Lasting Impact

The Youth Development Organization (YDO) continues to lead efforts in youth empowerment and peacebuilding across the Mediterranean region through its active role in the Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea (YxP) project. This 24-month initiative, involving nine organizations from eight countries, focuses on equipping youth professionals with peacebuilding skills and fostering international collaboration to promote social justice and inclusion.

A cornerstone of the project is stakeholder engagement, ensuring diverse perspectives are integrated into peacebuilding strategies. YDO recently hosted a pivotal in-person meeting in Semqaniyeh, Chouf, bringing together key decision-makers from education, municipalities, NGOs, media, and cultural sectors. This meeting not only mapped stakeholders critical to the project’s success but also facilitated dialogue on practical initiatives to enhance youth inclusion and peace education.

The project builds on such stakeholder insights to develop scalable educational tools, including a comprehensive Manual and multimedia resources. These outputs, combined with ongoing capacity-building activities, aim to create a sustainable framework for youth-driven peace initiatives across the Mediterranean.

Building Local Momentum for Peace

On November 22, 2024, YDO organized a pivotal meeting at the Blue Bell Restaurant in Semqaniyeh, Chouf, to advance the goals of the YxP project. This event brought together eight influential decision-makers from diverse sectors, including education, municipal government, NGOs, media, and arts and culture. Participants included the Director of Baakline Public Library, the Principal of Baakline High School, and a journalist from Bishoufik News Portal, among others.

The meeting served as a platform to present the objectives of the YxP project while fostering dialogue on strategies for sustainable collaboration. During the discussions, stakeholders shared their unique insights and ideas for advancing peacebuilding efforts:

  • Mr. Talal Al Jurdi emphasized the urgent need for the project, stating, “The importance of this initiative lies in its ability to address a fundamental aspect of life—accepting others and transforming the mindset of youth for the better, paving the way to lasting peace.”
  • Mr. Monah Hani proposed organizing a speech competition for school students focused on the theme of peace implementation, with a goal to conclude it before the academic year ends.
  • Dr. Hikmat Daou praised the project’s focus on revising educational curricula to include peacebuilding and social justice, highlighting its potential for long-term societal change.
  • Dr. Marwan Kais underscored the timeliness of the initiative, remarking, “This is a crucial moment for Lebanon to address the issue of peace, as the ongoing war can only be overcome by fostering peace and advancing social justice.”

The meeting concluded with an interactive brainstorming session, where participants discussed potential future initiatives. Ideas ranged from launching awareness campaigns to engaging marginalized communities, aiming to ensure that the project’s impact reaches the most vulnerable populations.

A Unified Vision for Peace

Through initiatives like the Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea project, YDO is leading efforts to foster a culture of peace and inclusion in Lebanon and beyond. By empowering youth professionals, promoting cross-border collaboration, and engaging key stakeholders, YDO is paving the way for a more peaceful and inclusive Mediterranean region. The organization’s commitment to building partnerships and addressing societal challenges highlights its dedication to creating a sustainable framework for peace that resonates locally and internationally.