A Multi-Level Approach to Youth-Led Reconciliation and Social Cohesion
One-day Conference on April 24, 2025 at Refugio, Berlin
Introduction
In an era where communities are increasingly diverse and interdependent, the costs of violent conflict are higher than ever, threatening social cohesion, economic stability, and the opportunities available to young people. This reality underscores the urgent need for effective, evidence-based approaches to peacebuilding, fostering dialogue, and overcoming historical grievances and deeply embedded stereotypes.
The “Shared Space, Shared Future” conference of “The Missing Peace” project is a dynamic gathering that brings together practitioners, educators, activists, and researchers to explore a critical question:
How can we collaboratively develop and implement interventions that strengthen social cohesion, facilitate reconciliation, and create inclusive opportunities for young people in diverse communities?
Through panel discussions, interactive sessions, and collaborative exchanges, participants will reflect on challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies for long-term capacity building of youth. The conference fosters a space for interdisciplinary dialogue, empowering young people and professionals alike to contribute to sustainable peace efforts in their communities and beyond.
We will see you in Berlin in
Partnership:
Program
Opening & Setting the Tone
We kick off with registration and a warm welcome, giving everyone a chance to settle in, grab materials, and connect.
We officially open The Missing Peace conference with a brief introduction to its vision, goals, and key themes, outlining what to expect throughout the program.
Speaker: Amina Moustafa (Project coordinator – Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation)
This keynote invites reflection on everyday peacebuilding amid radicalization, polarization, and global instability, exploring how we can foster systemic change and build pathways to sustainable peace locally.
Speaker: Alejandra Ortiz-Ayala, PhD, Research Associate and Head of conflict and conflict management specialization at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy, University of Erfurt.
Paths to Peace: Insights, Impact, and Capacity Building
Getting to know each other through dialogue and light activities, including a Professional Experience Barometer, to create a friendly atmosphere.
This moderated panel will feature project managers and experts involved in the project, sharing key results, insights, and lessons learned. The discussion will explore the project’s impact, challenges faced, and how its findings contribute to peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
Speakers: Maryna Bykova (Vice-Chairwoman at Culture Goes Europe e.V.), Amina Moustafa (Women’s Leadership Programme Manager at Glencree), Eduard Oganyan (TEIS Foundation), Vele Georgiev (EKE Bitola).
Moderator: Natalia Skorik (director of eSqaure e.V.)
A chance to pause, grab a coffee, and exchange views with other participants on the results of “The Missing Peace project” displayed on the stands.
A fishbowl-style discussion bringing together practitioners, educators, and NGO experts to explore how to meaningfully engage young people in peace and security efforts. The conversation will focus on building long-term capacity, overcoming challenges, and creating sustainable pathways for youth-led peacebuilding.
Speakers: Catherine Ferrin (Chairwoman of Silver Sister Productions), Bujar Luma (Center for Balkan Cooperation – LOJA), Giulio Brogi (EU Project Manager at NGO NEST Berlin and MVNGO), Niamh Flynn (Capacity Builder and Trainer, Ireland, member of the OSCE Pool of Young Experts), Andreas Vasileiadis (EU Project Researcher at CitizensAct), and people from the audience.
Moderator: Linda Sánchez, Ph.D student at IUGM.
A break to enjoy lunch and unwind.
Building Peace in Practice
How can the story of a family living in borderlands, who experienced changing national borders nine times, shed light on the impact of these shifts on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and youth work? The keynote will explore how do such personal histories connect to today’s challenges.
Speaker: Bujar Luma, Peacebuilding practitioner, director of LOJA, Center for Balkan Cooperation.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive, practical sessions designed to deepen their understanding and skills.
- Workshop 1: Sarah’s Story Theatre Performance- Exploring Coercive Control – Led by Catherine Ferris, with the support from Niamh Flynn and Lila Reshadi, this workshop will explore storytelling and performance as powerful tools for reflection, healing, and dialogue.
- Workshop 2: Kintsugi – An art-based intervention for reconciliation – Led by Alejandra del Pilar Ortiz-Ayala. The session will present a practical intervention tool along with a conceptual learning approach about reconciliation.
A symbolic group photo will be taken, capturing participants’ shared commitment to peace and the connections forged during the event.
Another chance to pause, grab a coffee, and explore present organisations and their works.
Closing & View into the Future – “Planting Seeds for Peace”
At the official launch of the Actors of Peace and Reconciliation Network, we will introduce its vision and role in fostering collaboration among practitioners, educators, and activists.
Speaker: Mariana Matoso (Project coordinator – Culture Goes Europe e.V.)
Podium discussion with young researchers, practitioners, and activists from diverse conflict-affected regions, sharing insights on community reconciliation, peacebuilding, and cross-border cooperation.
Speakers: Lila Reshadi (Intern on the Women’s Leadership Programme at Glencree Center for Peace and Reconciliation), Tobias Glismann (Facilitator, youth activist, student of geography at University of Marburg), Chris Rotsakis (Youth activist from Cyprus, member of HADE initiative).
Moderator: Maryna Bykova (CGE Erfurt e.V.).
We will conclude with final words from the organizers, guests, and participants, sharing key reflections and closing remarks. To mark the end of the event, everyone will gather for a final group picture, capturing the shared experience and connections made throughout the conference.
A small meal will provide a relaxed setting to wrap up the day, chat freely, and enjoy the last moments together.
Speakers
Meet the experts, youth workers, and peace practitioners leading the conversations on reconciliation, conflict transformation, and youth-driven peacebuilding at Shared Space, Shared Future.
Alejandra Ortiz-Ayala, PhD
Researcher, head of conflict and conflict management specialization at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy (Uni Erfurt)
Amina Moustafa
Women’s Leadership Programme Manager at Glencree Center for Peace and Reconciliation
Bujar Luma
Peacebuilding practitioner, director of LOJA, Center for Balkan Cooperation
Catherine Ferrin
Creative arts advocate, peacebuilding practitioner, chairwoman at Silver Sister Productions
Eduard Oganyan
Trainer of non-formal education, project manager at TEIS Foundation
Lila Reshadi
Intern on the Women’s Leadership Programme at Glencree Center for Peace and Reconciliation
Mariana Matoso
Facilitator, community phycologist, project coordinator at Culture Goes Europe e.V.
Maryna Bykova
Educator, researcher, vice-chairwoman at Culture Goes Europe e.V.
Natalia Skorik
Trainer of non-formal education, director of eSquare e.V.
Niamh Flynn
Capacity Builder and Trainer, Ireland, Member of the OSCE Pool of Young Experts
Vele Georgiev
Educator, director of European Cultural Epicenter Bitola
Giulio Brogi
EU Project Manager at NGO NEST Berlin and MVNGO
Aistė Šlajūtė
Trainer, youth work practitioner at Merkinės Kultūros Centras, co-coordinator of NHSM Ireland
Andreas Vasileiadis
EU Project Researcher at CitizensAct, political scientist
Chris Rotsakis
Youth activist from Cyprus @cypriotwithsign, member of HADE initiative
Tobias Glismann
Facilitator, youth activist, student of geography with passion of filmmaking
What we will present
Educational Pack
Through a combination of interactive learning modules, case studies, and real-world examples, the EduPack encourages critical thinking, active participation, and creative problem-solving. It is designed not only to educate but also to inspire action—empowering young people to become active contributors to peace and reconciliation efforts in their own societies.
Location & Organisation
Refuigo, Berlin
Lenaustraße 3, 12047 Berlin, Germany
Our conference will be held in the historic hall at the ground floor of Refugio Berlin, a vibrant community hub, which was established as part of Berlin City Mission.
Accessibility
The event site has fully accessible premises.
Language
The main working language is English.
Organisation Committee
A dedicated team of young professionals has meticulously helped to organise the "Shared Space, Shared Future" conference, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience for all attendees.
Contacts
In case of questions, please, reach out to info@cge-erfurt.org.
Linda Sánchez
Communication & Design
Boris Malinovski
Logistics
Kevin Verduci
Guest Relations
Nela Kłosiewicz
Guest Relations