The forum commenced with inspiring speeches from notable figures, including EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, who emphasised the important role of youth in peacebuilding efforts. "Education plays a crucial role, especially when we work together," shared Kainat Riaz, a UWC alumna and global youth ambassador. Her powerful words resonated throughout the event, reinforcing the need for collective action in addressing global issues.

Workshops facilitated by UWC students and local youth organisations provided participants with the tools to effect change in their communities. The UWC Experience workshops were particularly impactful, offering insights into the transformative power of a UWC education. Andrea Angelidou (UWC Maastricht, 2023-2025), a current UWC-EU Cypriot Youth scholar, remarked: 

"To be heard, start by embracing the opportunities to listen first. Don’t wait for others to make change for you — seek out the chances to participate and create that change yourself."

A highlight of the forum was the panel discussion focused on UWC Mostar, showcasing its success as an integrated school in a post-conflict society. Dr. Pilvi Torsti, co-founder of UWC Mostar, shared: 

"Cultural identity isn’t confined to one nationality or label. This realisation has driven me to advocate for a future where we acknowledge and embrace our collective identity."

Sonia Rawat, UWC Mostar's Head, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the school’s commitment to providing a safe space for young people to learn and grow.

The forum culminated in a powerful Youth Talks session, where participants voiced their commitment to building a more peaceful and sustainable future. Aliki Ioannides (UWC Adriatic, 2022-2024), a graduate of the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth, reflected:

"Returning to Nicosia for the Peace Forum taught me how UWC not only focusses on expanding the movement but also emphasises personal growth as we work towards building peace in our communities."

As the event concluded, it reaffirmed the shared commitment of UWC and the European Union to promote peace through education and cooperation. This forum not only showcased the potential of youth as catalysts for change but also left a lasting legacy for future generations to continue the journey towards unity and understanding.

*About the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC
The EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC aims to build mutual understanding between Cypriot communities. Funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and implemented by UWC, the programme started in 2019 and since then it has awarded 64 scholarships to Cypriot students to attend a two-year programme at a UWC school in Europe (UWC Adriatic, UWC Maastricht, UWC Mostar, and UWC Robert Bosch College). The programme also includes short courses and youth engagement activities, bringing together youth from Cyprus, Europe and the Mediterranean region.