Crises and armed conflicts in various regions of Europe and beyond have changed the world in recent years. Peace cannot be taken for granted; democracy is fragile and must be relearned by each successive generation. Following opening remarks by Jessica Huber from the Protocol Department, who kicked off the event, education professionals and network partners discussed the significant role that international youth programs and exchanges play in this context. 

Eva Feldmann-Wojtachnia, head of the Youth and Europe Research Group at the Center for Applied Policy Research at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, was invited to deliver the keynote address. “War and crises in Europe and the Middle East are viewed with great concern by 62 percent of young people between the ages of 14 and 29,” Feldmann quoted from the latest trend study, “Youth in Germany.” The more than forty participants discussed what this means for everyday educational practice, to what extent international youth work can fulfill its peacemaking role in times of tension, and what conditions must be met for this to happen.

These discussions were accompanied by field reports from dedicated professionals whose work is directly affected, whose partner organizations are located right in war and crisis zones. One conclusion: It is important to build connections and engage with one another through shared common ground. For partner organizations in the affected regions, it is incredibly important that communication remains open, even if people cannot see each other at the moment. It is important to continue exchanging ideas with respect and tolerance—just as has been the norm in international exchanges since the beginning.

The discussion was rounded off with a review of thirteen projects carried out since the last meeting in November of last year: exchanges, political youth trips, professional development initiatives, and an exhibition.