Aftermovie first 'South Caucasus Youth Peace Summer School' 21-31 August 2023
The first South Caucasus Youth Peace Summer School (SCYPSS) was held successfully in Kachreti, Georgia from 21-31 August 2023. Thirty young participants aged between 21 and 29, ten each from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia participated in the Summer School.
A faculty of experienced international and local academics, practitioners and experts helped deliver the school's content, which consisted of dozens of elements including workshops, lectures, debates, film forums and numerous social events.
The SCYPSS was an initiative of LINKS Europe and was organised with the support of the European Union and the Government of Norway. The idea of the South Caucasus Youth Peace Summer School was included in the report "The South Caucasus from war to peace: thirty measures between now and 2030" prepared by the Joint Armenian-Azerbaijani Liaison Group on Confidence-Building Measures in support of lasting peace in the South Caucasus (JOLIG), an independent initiative bringing together Armenian and Azerbaijani experts, published in April 2022.
For more information on LINKS Europe or the SCYPSS, please contact: office@links-europe.eu
“The SCYPSS had such a meaning for everyone involved, as well as for me, that the beneficial results will continue to be effective for the rest of my life. It was different from other schools by the presence of a unique environment that promoted such development as unity on several platforms, the desire to discover new things, and the involvement of young people. It helped me to see how willing young people are to be representatives of innovation in the world (within the framework of this school, also in the region). And I am glad that there were such young people. The most important thing is that there was a desire to create everything on the basis of peace. Getting acquainted with new young people and the best professors was something special.”
“The First South Caucasus Youth Peace Summer School gave me valuable experience in life. The properly prepared academic curricula, the professional faculty as well as the friendly and respectful environment created by the staff ensured a smooth and productive program. The combination of both theoretical and practical assignments, reflections and cultural events ensured and motivated us to actively be involved in discussions and freely express our thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I truly believe that we need to sustain such a safe and supportive platform for youth, where dialogue and the region-wide network of active youth is created.”
“The summer school program at SCYPSS holds great significance for me as a person and professional who actively participates in peace-building projects and activities. It has taught me that cultural and other differences are meaningless when people can find common ground to enjoy each other's company. The summer school is like a great family get-together where everyone talks about all the things that need improvement. I'd love to meet the participants more often!”
Aftermovie first 'South Caucasus Regional Dialogue Forum' 29-30 August 2023
On 29 and 30 August, the thirty young participants aged between 21 and 29, ten each from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, joined established regional experts from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia for the South Caucasus Regional Dialogue Forum, which was held in Kachreti, Georgia: "The South Caucasus: a region connecting regions" in Kachreti, Georgia.
The first 'South Caucasus Regional Dialogue Forum' was organised by LINKS Europe in association with the Georgian Centre for Strategy and Development.
For more information on LINKS Europe or the South Caucasus Regional Dialogue Forum, please contact: office@links-europe.eu