The "Circle of Youth for Peace" initiative, launched by the Center for Shared Memory for Democracy and Peace, has brought together 40 young men and women from Morocco and various countries. The event, held in partnership with UNESCO, coincides with the 20th anniversary of the center's work in transitional justice, peace, and coexistence. The initiative aims to promote peace and fair coexistence, with activities taking place from December 12 to 16, 2026.

The event is part of the 15th International Film Festival of Shared Memory, organized in Nador from December 12 to 17. The initiative has received support from several organizations, including the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the Ministry of National Education, and the Arab Peace Group. The Council of Europe, Democracy International, and the International Center for Transitional Justice are also contributing to the initiative.

During the event, participants will discuss the importance of peace and the conditions necessary for fair coexistence in their communities. They will focus on issues such as respect for human dignity, equal rights, and managing differences through dialogue and rejecting violence. The program includes several key activities, including an international symposium on transitional justice and a workshop on futures literacy.

On December 12, an international symposium will be held on the reality of peace and transitional justice worldwide, featuring a keynote address by the Director-General of the International Center for Transitional Justice. The same evening, the center will receive the International "Memory for Democracy and Peace" award for its contributions to transitional justice.

The "Futures Literacy Labs" workshop, held in partnership with UNESCO, will take place on December 13 and 14. Participants will explore their visions for the future and discuss ways to address common challenges. On December 15, a workshop will be conducted by Democracy International, followed by a closing workshop on December 16, where participants will present their proposals.

The program also includes film screenings, discussions, and storytelling sessions, as well as meetings with researchers, filmmakers, and civil society actors. Participants will work in multicultural groups to develop actionable initiatives addressing issues such as discrimination, exclusion, and the difficulty of dialogue in the face of differences.

The "Circle of Youth for Peace" initiative is an ongoing effort, with the Center for Shared Memory inviting other international institutions and networks to join and contribute to the program's development. The center plans to maintain connections with participants after the event, establishing a network for exchanging experiences and supporting their initiatives.

Key points

  • The initiative aims to promote peace and fair coexistence among young people from diverse backgrounds.
  • The event features a range of activities, including workshops, discussions, and film screenings.
  • The initiative is part of a broader effort to support transitional justice and peacebuilding worldwide.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.