THE POWER OF MUSIC AND PEACEBUILDING DURING WARTIME

On 21 November 2025, International European University (IEU) hosted an important event within the My Peace project - the WP3 Mini Launch. The goal was to present the videos created during the project’s music sessions and spark discussion on the role of music in peacebuilding. Students and staff took part in this event.

During the event, participants watched a series of videos created within the My Peace music sessions. These artistic materials, available on the project’s official YouTube channel, reflect deep emotions, personal stories, and the voices of young people expressing what peace means to them.

IEU students actively engaged in discussions:

• sharing their impressions of the videos,
• reflecting on the emotional power of music,
• exploring how creative expression supports resilience, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Context of the War and the Importance of Peacebuilding

The event held special significance, taking place in a country that has been living under full-scale war for more than two years. For Ukrainian youth, peace is not an abstract concept. It is a vital value woven into everyday experiences, challenges, and losses.

Such events are critically important. They:

• create a safe space for reflection,
• strengthen a culture of dialogue,
• help young people express and process difficult emotions,
• shape the understanding of peace not only as the absence of war but as an active process of building a better future.

Conclusion

The WP3 Mini Launch at IEU became more than just a presentation - it was a meaningful gathering where students openly shared their stories, engaged with artistic content, and reflected on what peace means to them. It marked another step toward amplifying young voices in the European peacebuilding landscape.

The My Peace project continues to unite students and create opportunities for creativity, understanding, and hope - values that Ukraine and the world need now more than ever.