On November 18 and 19, 2024, the city of Paris (France) hosted the grand finale of the PAVE project—our International Peace Forum. This landmark event marked the conclusion of an incredible journey that brought together over 150 young individuals from more than 7 countries.
The International Peace Forum was far more than a closing event; it was a celebration of the collective energy, creativity, and dedication that participants had brought to the project over the past two years. The PAVE initiative has been a driving force to promote unity, understanding, and action among European youth, making significant strides towards peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Highlights from the PAVE Journey
The project’s flagship event, the International Peace Academy held in Zagreb, Croatia, set the tone for what was to come. This inaugural gathering brought together over 70 participants from Ukraine, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, and Poland. Building on this foundation, the PAVE project also organised eight volunteering weeks in post-conflict areas, providing 96 young volunteers with hands-on opportunities to engage in impactful work.
Over the past two years, the PAVE project has fostered unity, understanding, and action among European youth. Among its standout achievements was the International Peace Academy, held in Zagreb (Croatia), our inaugural flagship event. This gathering brought together over 70 participants from Ukraine, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, and Poland, setting the tone for the collaborative efforts that followed.
Additionally, the project consortium facilitated 8 volunteering weeks in post-conflict areas, enabling 96 young volunteers to engage in impactful work.
The International Peace Forum in Paris was designed to empower our young participants as active contributors. They took center stage, moderating panels and leading discussions on pressing issues such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the challenges to European security, and the implications for the future of young Europeans.
Special thanks go to our exceptional PAVE consortium team, who brought 60 participants to Paris, and to our inspiring speakers from Agence Française Erasmus+ and YOUTHID. Their insights and contributions enriched the event and inspired our participants.
What’s Next?
While the International Peace Forum may be the final in-person event of the PAVE project, this is far from the end of our journey. The vibrant network of connections we’ve cultivated will continue to thrive, with new volunteering opportunities on the horizon. Stay tuned, there’s much more to come!