Stakeholder Talks with CESIE: Youth Videos That Spark New Ideas

CESIE held two online stakeholder meetings on 30 September 2025, bringing together partners who work in culture, social justice, youth engagement, and community development. The aim was simple: show the three winning videos from the Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean contest and open an honest conversation about what these stories mean for local communities.

The meetings happened on Google Meet and gathered different perspectives. One session included Antonina Albanese and Fausto Melluso from ARCI Palermo, while the second involved Marco Coico from Le Vie dei Tesori and Fondazione Marea.

Both meetings started with the presentation of the contest’s three winning videos. The stories sparked genuine interest. Each participant viewed the videos not only as final products but also as tools that can support youth engagement and social reflection in Sicily.

Fausto Melluso felt a strong connection with the videos. He explained the potential behind this kind of contest, especially for young people involved in social justice movements. He encouraged CESIE to experiment with more artistic formats because young people often express themselves better through creative work.

Marco Coico reflected on a different point. He focused on how positive storytelling influences Sicily’s development. He linked the videos to the work of Fondazione Marea, which supports innovation, new ideas, and start ups. For him, peace does not grow only through dialogue. It grows through opportunities, confidence, and the freedom to create.

Ideas and Strengths Highlighted

Several ideas shaped the conversations:

The videos show honest storytelling that speaks directly to young people.
The content invites viewers to reflect on peace in a practical and personal way.
The methodology behind the contest, based on reciprocal maieutic and the thinking of Danilo Dolci, fits well with Sicily’s tradition of community work.
The videos can support workshops, open discussions, and cultural activities.
Foundations and NGOs can use similar contests to motivate young people and build stronger participation.

The participants agreed that the videos carry a positive tone. They show real challenges but also offer hope, creativity, and purpose.

Interest in Future Cooperation

Both meetings ended with curiosity and a clear wish to stay involved.
Fausto expressed interest in bringing this idea into ARCI Palermo’s network.
Marco saw potential for future collaboration with foundations that support youth empowerment and creative industries.

No formal decisions came from the meetings, but the energy behind the discussions showed a clear direction. The videos can inspire new projects, motivate young creators, and support community based work.CESIE will use the insights gathered during these talks as the project continues. The videos opened the door to new conversations, and the stakeholders confirmed that youth creativity offers more than emotional stories. It brings perspective, motivation, and new ways to imagine peace in the Mediterranean.The meetings did not end with fixed answers. They ended with new questions, and sometimes curiosity is the strongest starting point.