In times of war and conflict, young people are increasingly overwhelmed by the flood of information received online, struggling to navigate the ever-growing stream of content. The Circle of Young Humanitarians’ (CYH) initiative to bridge the humanitarian world to the next generation is founded on the belief that young people’s perception of war today impacts the direction of our world in the future.
At the CYH, we recognize that creating a safe space for dialogue is pivotal in peacebuilding. Our platform allows young people to exchange views with, and foster mutual understanding with experts from various fields. At our recent Young Humanitarian Summit, with over 300 participants and under the patronage of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), we moderated a conversation between a young Swiss-Palestinian and Swiss-Israeli, emphasizing the potential of young people from all backgrounds to contribute to a more peaceful future. Initiated by peers eager to discuss and cope with the aftermath of the events following October 7th, this cross-community conversation reflects the strong desire among young people to bridge divides. Through the Summit, we aimed to showcase opportunities for young people to get involved. In times of heightened political tensions, young people can find common ground in our shared humanity, transcending barriers that divide us.
We believe that young people have a unique ability to connect through digital technologies, which exposes them to a broader range of information and opinions. While social media can be overwhelming, we aim to use the opportunities of digital technologies to enhance our efforts in sensitizing and raising awareness of humanitarian principles and International Humanitarian Law. Beyond the organization of physical events, the CYH empowers a sense of agency in young people by promoting positive possibilities for their future.
The risk of tokenistic youth involvement is a reality that many youth-led organizations face. We connect young people with humanitarian organizations to ensure that ideas from both sides are heard. Through regular exchanges with humanitarian organizations, including our main partner, the ICRC, and by offering a platform for dialogue, we ensure our work is acknowledged and supported by leading organizations. At our Summit, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, to name a few, we included young voices in panel discussions and workshops hosted by various organizations. Their ongoing collaboration with and support of the CYH exemplifies the joint commitment to meaningful youth engagement.
The CYH is convinced that education and youth civic participation are cornerstones for peace. By fostering self-efficacy and agency, we inspire and mobilize young people to harness the power of humanity. Encouraging these qualities supports a generation that is aware of its challenges and empowered to create sustainable solutions and lasting peace.