MY PEACE is a project created out of hope. The idea was conceived even before the war in Ukraine, as peace is always in the minds of those raised during wartime. War seems to be a persistent issue, and I remember finally shaping the constant need to talk about it into a tangible idea. I felt that the Bosnian youth had so much to say and teach, and I sensed that youth across Europe were about to face significant challenges. War rhetoric was increasing, and young people were becoming less of a priority for policymakers, media, and the general public.
Unfortunately, my fears were validated. I wish I had been wrong. Two major wars erupted, and conflicts continue to arise. While I don’t believe MY PEACE alone will stop these wars, I am convinced that young people have important contributions to make.
Conflict, war, and extreme rhetoric rob youth of their formative years, freezing their development and marginalizing them in cruel ways. Despite this, no one has asked young people what they think about the war. Our project application captures this sentiment perfectly:
> "MY PEACE empowers youth to be engaged in the peacebuilding process in a way that is attractive and close to youth, through the vessel of music. Music is an important part of cultural identity, and culture is one of the core elements around which understanding and empathy are needed, upon which peace can be accomplished. When we cherish and value each other’s cultural heritage, we eliminate the need for conflict."
The goal of MY PEACE is to send a message that building peace is crucial, and young people must be included in this process, especially when they are exposed to such grim realities. Our method for achieving this is through music.
Here are some powerful statements from young people involved in the project:
- "Peace must be built even when war is raging. We know that war is raging now, and all the young people hear is war."
- "We need to hear that someone still believes in peace and that we have the right to ask for peace."
- "I don't think we will stop the war with a song, but we can bring back youth at least one day, at least one young person, and that's great."
- "We lose our youth in war."
I invite everyone to join this project with much care, empathy, and love. Remember, the world is losing hope, and someone must work on things made of hope. Our role is to take part in that effort!
Thank you!
Sanja Ivandic,
Outside Media & Knowledge, Germany