They are redefining what reconciliation can look like, not through grand negotiations, but through courtyard conversations, late-night virtual sessions, and the kind of cross-border friendships that many in their communities have never dared to imagine.
These are not diplomats. They are the next generation. And they rewrite the script.
From borders to bridges
On the sidelines of the Forum, UN News met three of them: Ana Kuprava from Georgia, Maria Yasyan from Armenia and Shahana Afandiyeva from Azerbaijan – all alumni of UNAOC’s Young Peacebuilders programme.
Ana leads a youth project titled From Borders to Bridges, a four-month initiative supported by her friends Maria and Shahana.
For her, the idea took root in her hometown of Tbilisi. Georgia’s diversity is often celebrated, she said, but the daily reality — especially in remote areas — is much more fragmented.
“We live together, different nationalities, different religions, but when it comes to cooperation and interculturality, it becomes a question. We don’t work together much.”
Her project brought together fifty young people from Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani backgrounds, some from big cities, others from remote minority villages. Many had never spoken to anyone from a neighboring community.
Through online modules, creative exercises and what Ana calls ‘garden conversations’ in ancient courtyards in Tbilisi, participants discovered something very powerful: coexistence had always been woven into the region’s history; it was just forgotten.
‘It’s all about the first step’
Shahana joined the initiative from Azerbaijan and took part in sessions on preventing extremism and radicalization among young people. For her, trust is built slowly – often through the smallest gestures.
“We come from a region with a complex history and fragile trust,” she said. “But it’s all about the first step. Then comes the rest.”
Even during virtual sessions, she recalls how conversations with cameras helped participants let their guard down, bringing out emotions, humor, hesitation and ultimately confidence.
On the impact, she said youth have proven that they do not need abundant resources to counter extremism. What they needed was intention.
“Diversity is not something to be afraid of. It is something beautiful that we should be proud of.”
Women at the center of peacebuilding
Speaking from Armenia, Maria focused on something that is often sidelined: the role women play in peace processes, especially in regions with a long history of mutual distrust.
Despite the language challenges and political tensions, she saw young people leaning forward, interrupting, asking tough questions and, most importantly, challenging themselves.
“They interrupted and asked questions. They were really into it. They want to learn more, they want to say something, and they are the changemakers.”
Her message to young people around the world is direct:
“We need to stand up, speak out and stand up for each other. Anyone can do it if they really want to.”
The project’s influence extended beyond its formal end. The participants kept in touch, sent follow-up questions, added her on social media and began exploring cross-border collaboration.
Maria also runs another initiative at home, supporting young people – especially in rural communities – in developing essential skills. Some of its participants, who were once unsure of their capabilities, now plan small-scale projects of their own.
“They weren’t sure they could do it at first. But then they started taking the lead on bigger ideas. They see themselves as the changemakers of today.”
UNAOC
The High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (center) with a group of young people participating in the Youth Forum held by the Alliance as part of its Global Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Learning to lead – conversation by conversation
For all three women, the UNAOC Young Peacebuilders program was the spark. It provided mentorship, practical tools, and the confidence to work with communities that may at first seem hesitant or divided.
They learned to design projects, assess risks, communicate across generations and build trust, face-to-face or screen-to-screen.
But the deeper lesson was something else: change doesn’t need headlines.
A conversation in a courtyard. A shared story. A moment of recognition.
“We live in a region that is turning from conflict to peace,” Shahana said. “Peace cannot be built through geopolitics alone. We need a more inclusive, more humane peace and we need young people to build that peace.”
Ana heard something similar from her own participants. Many told her it was the first time they had spoken to peers of different nationalities.
“They felt safe, happy and valued,” she said. “Even though actions are small, the impact can be enormous.”
And for anyone, anywhere, who thinks his or her idea is too small to matter, Maria leaves this:
“Be creative, take action and stand up for each other. Don’t do it alone, do it with a team.”
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