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-UWC youth leadership forum, taking place on 21 and 22 September, 2024, in Nicosia, Cyprus. This event aims to bring together a diverse group of up to 200 participants, including Cypriot scholars of the EU scholarship programme 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 EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC aims to build 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), and provided over 300 Cypriot youth with an opportunity to engage in intercommunal interaction at a UWC short course or youth engagement activity .
Click here to watch the video on the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC
The theme of the forum is United for Peace focusing on international and intergenerational cooperation. The forum seeks to inspire young people to take the lead in advocating for peace through education and become active agents of change. During the closing plenary, youth will take the stage and share their reflections, ideas and commitments in conversations with experts such as EU officials, educators, and civil society partners.
The forum will offer a thought-provoking environment featuring four plenary sessions and over 30 breakout sessions for exploration. Engage with themes surrounding the involvement of youth, education’s role, and the impact of the EU/governance in peacebuilding through UWC experience workshops and panel discussions. Led by a diverse array of facilitators, including UWC students, high school youth, alumni, EU advocates and civil society representatives, these sessions aim to provide multifaceted perspectives. Additionally, delegates will have the opportunity to gain insights into the unique experiences of UWC students across various campuses.
To view the full agenda, click here. Explore the workshops by visiting this link.
The forum, organised by UWC in partnership with the European Commission, is scheduled between 21-22, September 2024, in Nicosia, Cyprus. It will be hosted across three main locations: Chateau Status, the Home for Cooperation, and the bicommunal rooms at the Ledra Palace Hotel in the UN buffer zone.
Please find the relevant locations here.
The two-day event will gather up to 200 delegates, including Cypriot and international UWC students and alumni, high school students from Cyprus, educators, scholars, civil society partners and other stakeholders from both sides of the divide. Delegations from UWC schools abroad will also participate.
Anyone interested in participating should follow the registration procedure outlined here. All applications will undergo thorough review to ensure alignment with the objectives and values of the forum. Notification of application approval will be sent once the review process has been completed.
Only approved applicants will be able to participate in the Forum.
Please complete the registration form here. Please note that due to limited space, all registrations are subject to approval by the course organisers.
Yes, there is a limit to the number of individuals that can participate, subject to the capacity of the venues. Only the approved applicants will be able to participate in the forum.
The United for Peace youth leadership forum is generously funded by the European Union under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, as part of the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC. Participants will take part free of charge, and be provided with meals and coffee breaks during the event schedule. Transportation to/from Cyprus and accommodation during the event dates are provided for those travelling from overseas; for attendees based in Cyprus, transportation support is available based on demonstrated need.
International attendees will receive support from the event organisers for their travel arrangements. Delegates invited from overseas will stay at Cleopatra Hotel in Nicosia and transportation to/from the event venues will be arranged.
Delegates from Cyprus will typically arrange their own transportation. Based on the participant demographics, transportation will be arranged from common meeting spots outside Nicosia to the event venue in Nicosia. A small group of high school delegates, who reside outside of Nicosia, can request accommodation at the designated hotel.
The event venues are located at a couple minutes’ walking distance from one another. We will provide assistance for those needing mobility support.
Since the event takes place in the UN buffer zone, please ensure that you have the right documentation (i.e. passport, parental authorisation) to attend the event. There may be additional travel requirements, such as a visa, for international attendees outside of the EU. International delegates will be contacted separately to receive assistance with any visa-related requirements or other travel logistics.
Please ensure you have a valid ID/passport with you at all times during the forum. If you are taking any medication, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply with you.
The forum is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Both UWC and the EU are dedicated to fostering inclusivity for all attendees. If you need assistance or have specific inquiries regarding accessibility, please feel free to contact us through the contact form available here.
The primary language of the forum is English. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in Turkish and Greek during plenary sessions, to ensure all attendees can fully participate in the event. The breakout sessions will be running in English only.
Participants are required to attend the full two days of programming, including all plenary sessions and workshops in their assigned track. Attendees must closely follow the agenda and actively engage in all scheduled activities. Please find the agenda here.
Nicosia provides different transportation options. For taxi services in the south, you can use the CABCY app (https://cab.com.cy/) to quickly book rides and see upfront fares. Another option is the Bolt app (https://bolt.eu/), which also offers vetted drivers and fare estimates. If you prefer public transportation, you can use the Pame Mobile App (link) to plan bus journeys, check real-time arrivals and purchase tickets.
There is no formal dress code for the event, but we encourage delegates to dress appropriately and promote smart casual attire.
During September, Cyprus usually experiences warm and sunny weather. Daytime temperatures typically range from 25 to 30 degrees celsius, occasionally reaching up to 35 degrees. It is advisable to bring lightweight clothing, a hat and sunscreen for daytime activities. Evenings may bring cooler breezes, so we also recommended that you pack a light jacket or sweater.
Please contact our team via the form available here or send an inquiry to the event organisers at forum@cy.uwc.org.
