About the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC
The EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC aims to build bridges of mutual understanding between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Funded by the European Union and implemented by UWC, the programme has thus far awarded 64 scholarships to Cypriot students to attend a two-year programme at a UWC school in Europe (UWC Adriatic, UWC Maastricht, UWC Mostar and UWC Robert Bosch College). The programme has offered short courses for youth from Cyprus, Europe and the Mediterranean region, as well as intercommunal activities such as youth events, a mentorship programme, and a week-long immersion project. Cumulatively, the programme has reached more than 1,000 Cypriot youth, promoting dialogue and building connections among them in a bi-communal setting.
The EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC is funded under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and is now one of the most important confidence-building measures in Cyprus, fostering reconciliation, understanding and trust among the younger generations across the divide.
The United for Peace EU-UWC youth leadership forum
As part of the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC, United World Colleges (UWC), in partnership with the European Commission, will be hosting the United for Peace EU youth leadership forum, taking place on September 21 and 22, 2024, in Nicosia, Cyprus. This event aims to bring together a diverse group of up to 200 participants, including Cypriot and other UWC international students, staff and alumni, as well as Cypriot high school students, educators, civil society partners and other stakeholders from across Cyprus.
The United for Peace forum seeks to inspire young people to take the lead in advocating for peace through education. With a focus on international and intergenerational cooperation and dialogue, the event invites young participants to engage as active agents of change.
This forum is unique, with its focus on youth voices, enriched by contributions from experts and professionals. This mix creates an exceptional setting for meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural connections.
The two-day programme is designed to be interactive and stimulating, featuring keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, youth-led sessions and panel discussions. These activities aim to promote inter-communal dialogue and encourage collaboration among attendees.
Youth delegates will experience three underpinning themes about the role of young people, education and the European Union in peacebuilding. Moreover, youth delegates will be able to put their advocacy skills into practice during the closing plenary of the forum. The plenary and breakout sessions will culminate in young people sharing their voices and each thematic track will be asked to share their main reflections and ideas in an intergenerational conversation with experts (i.e. EU officials, teachers and principals, peace advocates and other professionals).
The mission of the forum
The following objectives reflect the overarching goals and principles of the United for Peace EU-UWC youth leadership forum:
Empower young leaders for peace
Encourage youth to take active roles in peace-making and community transformation through educational experiences that inspire dialogue and foster reconciliation.
Foster meaningful dialogue
Provide a platform for youth voices and leadership to elevate conversations around peace and reconciliation, promoting intercommunal understanding and collaboration.
Promote education for a sustainable future
Showcase the EU-UWC partnership as a model, demonstrating how education can promote peace and sustainability while empowering young people to be agents of change in their communities.
