Youth Promoting Peace

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Y2P
Y2P
Contract Title Youth Promoting Peace: Bicommunal Youth Peace Activities
Youth Promoting Peace: Bicommunal Youth Peace Activities II
The Paphian Youth: A New Generation of Peace Builders
Contract Number WSE-PS01-4053
WSE-PS02-4225 Amendment No. 1
CAN-05-011
Funding Period 15/5/2001 - 31/12/2002
14/10/2002 - 13/10/2003
10/02/2005-20/03/2005
Funding Agency UNDP/UNOPS
Total Cost CY₤ 28,293 (final paid $45,504.16)
CY₤ 25,950 (final paid $54,141.29)
$12,000
Website Project website
Summary page at UN



History and founding of Y2P

When a number of teenagers, participated in conferences both in Cyprus and abroad, they were able to lay the seeds in founding a youth organization known as Youth Promoting Peace (Y2P)[1]. An original meeting which took place in Hawaii spurred two teenagers to do “something more”, to try to change things in Cyprus and to bring the young people of the two communities closer together. More conferences, which took place both in Cyprus and abroad gave the necessary inspiration and confidence to found the group and declare the dedication of its members to work for peace both in Cyprus and in the world. Since the inception of Y2P, the group has focused its efforts on the rapprochement between the two communities in Cyprus and the creation of bridges of communication, tolerance and understanding between the Greek Cypriots (GC) and the Turkish Cypriots (TC). A positive coinidence brought a senior facilitator Dr. Yiannis Laouris in contact with the early pioneers. Laouris was trained by international peace builders like Dr. Louise Diamond and Dr. Benjamin Broome. Equipped with extensive experience in facilitation of groups, being one of the Fulbright trained Senior Trainers, and having participated in many bi-communal activities and in lots of conferences both in Cyprus and abroad, he was able to respond to the needs of the group. At the same time, he was able to provide necessary information, knowledge, encouragment and positiveness in order to preserve and expand the enthusiasm of the young entrepreneurs. What is Y2P?

Y2P was inspired, designed and operated by youth

Y2P was a youth project, it was a project inspired, designed and operated by young people who wanted to raise their voices for their future. Y2P has developed into a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), an independent, non-politcal and non-profitable organization formed by youth initiatives, lead by the youth and governed by the youth. A highlight in the development of Y2P was achieved in late 1999 when the group secured a USAID grant that was awarded through United Nations Development Program to CNTI: Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute. CNTI acted as an umbrella organization for a number of bicommunal projects and activities. Y2P had the strong support of many other bicommunal groups and especially the NGO Support Center, which kindly provided space and infrastructure for meetings and workshops, the Technology for Peace group which hosted electronically all its activities, the Cyprus Conflict Resolution Trainers Group, which kindly provided facilitation during workshops, the Citizen’s movement for Re-unification and co-existence which provided networking, CYBER KIDS, which co-funded most of their activities, as well as many others.

Y2P Vision and Objectives

The vision of Y2P is significant to both communities. However, its vision and objectives do not only have an impact for the youth of the two communities but for all the citizens of the country. The vision of the group is to lay the foundations for a better and safer future through a number of bicommunal activities, which aim to bring the youth of the two communities in Cyprus, the GC and the TC closer together, to promote the principles of tolerance, mutual respect and common understanding. The young members of the organization envision enhancing the prospect of living in a place, which is not separated into two different parts, which has no limitations of any kind. Bringing the GC and TC young people together is not an easy task. The young group members have to find ways to connect on the basis that they have common things, whether those are experiences, problems, fears and questions about the future. This is why one of Y2P objectives are the creation of bridges of communication between the GC and TC youth and the promotion of long lasting friendships. At the same time Y2P tries to promote the development of the feeling of mutual respect and common understanding.


Y2P as a “molecule” of Cyprus future civil society

Y2P played an important role not only for its members but also for the whole community. This youth group has created new and exciting pathways to facilitate the cooperation of all bicommunal youth groups of Cyprus and to elevat their various activities to a community level thus preparing them to act and behave as active citizens in the emerging civil society of Cyprus. Their activites have enchanced cooporation, interaction and teamwork between existing bicommunal youth groups, have attracted people from various ethnic groups to participate and deepen their understanding of the notion of communication, solidarity, human rights, democracy and the role of the active citizen. Y2P has managed to change the society’s attitudes. It brought not only teenagers of the two comminities together but also adults. The group promotes principles of tolerance through conferences and events of undertsanding. The existance of the group itself in a small society like Cyprus has a great impact to the community since it has raised questions regarding education, forgiveness, history etc. However, most of all Y2P has given hope to the small society of Cyprus. It gives hope to those who believe that Cyprus doesn’t have a peacful future. It makes people understand that young people have voice, have ideas, have beliefs and can make a difference. The youth is the future and it is necessary to build on them. If the society does not give them a chance to express their ideas and hear their opinions then, they will loose hope and they will stop believing that chances are possible. If the young generation looses hope, then who will challenge system, who will challenge the political parties, who will challenge world ideas, who will love this world? The youth of today have realized that it is their responsibility to halt the conflict, which perpetuates from the past and that it is they who will shape their future through promising initiatives, which will set the beginning of a new era for Cyprus.

Young Facilitators who served as Coordinators

The Y2P pioneers started meeting at Oktana cafe from mid 1999 where Yiannis Laouris, and periodically the father of Daphne Anastasiades were facilitating the sessions and provided inspiration. CYBER KIDS provided logistical support in the early phases. When the young pioneers were awarded their first grant, another young person was hired to serve as Assistant Coordinator, Xenia Constantinou. The following have served as (paid) coordinators for the funded projects:

Of course, the major responsibilities and the organization of the many events was conducted by the young pioneers who served as volunteers. Elected by the group as presidents were:

International interns working on Y2P

Melaina Spitzer visited Y2P and participated and supported the organization of events during the last years of its operations. Brooke Galloway performed studies on Y2P contributions to peace for her MS Thesis with the Portland State University (student of Harry Anastasiou).

Table of all events

Y2P has organized over 40 events in which thousands of people have participated.

Dates Title of Event/Short Description Participants Location Duration Main organizer(s) Person in charge Collaborating organizations Sources of funding
6-Feb-2000 Y2P: Tree Planting 2000 200 Pyla 1 day Y2P Dimitris Tsaousis CYBER KIDS, Coca Cola
26-Mar-2000 Y2P: Youth Festival 2000 800 Pergamos Park – Pyla 1 day Y2P, YEP Athos Violaris Seeds of Peace, SIT CYBER KIDS
30-Sep-2000 Y2P: Rock Festival 2000 800 Pergamos Park Pyla 1 day Y2P, YEP, Seeds of Peace, SIT Nikoletta Koutsakou UNDP/UNOPS, CYBER KIDS
1-Apr-2002 Y2P: Music Festival: Bands for Peace 2002 700 Pergamos Park Pyla 1 day Y2P, YEP, Seeds of Peace, SIT Nikoletta Koutsakou
1-Jun-2002 Y2P: Conference: Cyprus in the European Union: Socioeconomic Impact and New Opportunities for the Youth 2002 300 Nicosia-South 1 day Y2P Nikoletta Koutsakou Youth Board of Cyprus UNDP/UNOPS, Youth Board of Cyprus
1-Jul-2002 Y2P: Euromed seminar: “Different but United against Racism and Xenophobia” 2002 4 Israel 5 days Y2P Nikoletta Koutsakou EUROMED
1-Sep-2002 Y2P: Participation to Bi-communal Forum Celebrations 2002 10 delegates Ledra Palace 1 day Bi-communal Youth Forum Marios Antoniou All Youth Branches of Political Parties Youth Board of Cyprus
30 Sept. 2002 Y2P: Rock Festival “Cyprus Peace Day” 500 Pergamos Park Pyla 1 day Y2P, YEP Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
2001-completed Nov 2002 Y2P: Movie “Shadows of Dream” Projected to 300 young people in different occasions Marios Antoniou, Nikoletta Koutsakou, Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
Nov. 2002 Y2P: Bi-communal Workshop “Annan Plan: Prospects and Expectations” 2002 30 Pyla 1 day Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
Dec. 2002 Y2P: Production of Y2P CD Rom Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS, EKKOTEK
29 Dec. 2002 Y2P: Bi-communal New Year's Party 2002 200 Pyla 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
Dec. 2002 Y2P: Participation to a Euromed Contact Making Seminar - Ankara 2002 1 delegate Turkey 5 days European Commission Turkey’s National Youth Agency EUROMED
6 Jan. 2003 Y2P: Weekly Peace Marches from the Presidential House to Ledra’s Street 2003 50 each time Nicosia-South Once per week for 4 times Y2P Xenia Constantinou CNTI
22 Febr. 2003 Y2P: Workshop: “Development of Dialogue, Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution Techniques for the Youth” 2003 20 Paphos 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
15-Mar-2003 Y2P: Workshop: “Development of Dialogue, Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution Techniques for the Youth” 2003 20 Limassol 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
23-Mar-2003 Y2P: Mass event: “Fly A Kite for Peace” 2003 300 Pergamos Park, Pyla 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
12-May-2003 Y2P: Conference: “Education in Cyprus in View of the Forthcoming Political Settlement” 2003 80 Nicosia-South 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou Youth Information Center UNDP/UNOPS, Youth Information Center
30-May-2003 Y2P: Bi-communal Youth “Showcase”, presentation of Y2P 2003 5 delegates Nicosia - Fulbright 1 day UNDP/UNOPS Münevver Güzoğlu, Xenia Constantinou Cyprus Fulbright Commission
14-Jun-2003 Y2P: Workshop: “Development of Dialogue, Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution Techniques for the Youth” 2003 20 Nicosia - North 1 day Y2P Münevver Güzoğlu UNOPS
22-Jun-2003 Y2P: Bi-communal tour to the South 2003 30 Protaras – Ayia Napa 1 day Y2P Münevver Güzoğlu, Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
29-Jun-2003 Y2P: Bicommunal Workshop Nicosia - South“Development of Dialogue, Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution Techniques for the Youth” 2003 25 Nicosia-South 1 day Y2P Münevver Güzoğlu, Xenia Constantinou UNOPS
1-Jul-2003 Y2P: Bi-communal Round table discussion 2003 2 delegates Nicosia - Fulbright 1 day American Embassy Münevver Güzoğlu, Xenia Constantinou Cyprus Fulbright Commission
6-12 July 2003 Y2P: Euromed Seminar: Finding Common Ground: Conflict Resolution & Mediation through Focusing on the Environment 2003 55 Pafos – Nicosia - Kerynia 6 days Y2P Xenia Constantinou, Daphne Anastasiades Development Agency of Karditsa – Greece, Green Course – Israel, International Palestinian League – Palestine, Peace Child International –UK, ETSSA Youth Center-Egypt, Rainbow Bridge – Poland, Global Economic Connection-Germany EUROMED, UNDP/UNOPS, Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, Bank of Cyprus, Cyprus Tourism Organization, Nicosia Busses, Nicosia municipalities, Coca Cola, KEO, Goodys,
23-25 August 2003 Y2P: Camping - Workshop “Development of Dialogue, Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution Techniques for the Youth” 2003 40 Kerynia-Lapta 3 days Kayad – Y2P Münevver Güzoğlu UNDP/UNOPS
17-21 Sept. 2004 Y2P: Launching of the Euro-Med Platform 2004 1 delegate Malta 4 days European Commission Malta’s National Youth Agency European Commission
28-Sep-2003 Y2P: PicNic, Souvles for Peace 2003 40 Nicosia-South 1 day Y2P Marios Antoniou, Levent Kizilduman, Xenia Constantinou entrance fee
30-Sep-2003 Y2P: Futsal & Basketball Competition 2003 100 Nicosia South 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou, Ugurcan Yasamsal American Academy UNDP/UNOPS & entrance fee
30-Sep-2003 Y2P: Bi-communal Cultural Festival 2003 200 Nicosia – Ledra Palace 1 day All bi-communal groups Nicos Anastasiou, Xenia Constantinou Civil Society & UNOPS
18-Oct-2003 Y2P: Participation to UN Day 2003 10 Nicosia – Ledra Palace 1 day UN U.N.
29-Oct-2003 Y2P: Workshop “Development of Dialogue, Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution Techniques for the Youth” 2003 20 Famagusta – City Hall 1 day Y2P Ugurcan Yasamsal Famagusta Municipality UNDP/UNOPS
28-Nov-2003 Y2P: Movie Projection “Shadows of Dream” – Y2P Production, bi-lingual 2003 30 Nicosia - South 1 day Y2P Marios Antoniou Mea Culpa Cafe UNDP/UNOPS
29-Nov-2003 Y2P: Workshop “Development of Dialogue, Negotiation Skills and Conflict Resolution Techniques for the Youth” 2003 20 Larnaca 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS
28-Dec-2003 Y2P: Bi-communal New Year’s Party 2003 150 Nicosia 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou, Ugurcan Yasamsal entrance fee
20-Feb-2004 Y2P: Bi-communal Carnival Party 2004 100 Nicosia 1 day Y2P Xenia Constantinou, Ugurcan Yasamsal entrance fee
1-May-2004 Y2P: “YES” Campaign 2004 100 Nicosia 2 months Y2P under Solution Now Platform Levent Kizilduman, Xenia Constantinou funding from private sources, individuals and companies
9-May-2004 Y2P: Mass Event: Europe Day Celebrations 2004 100 Famagusta 1 day Y2P Levent Kizilduman, Xenia Constantinou UNDP/UNOPS& HasNa Inc.
18-Jun-2004 Y2P: Meeting with the Minister of Education – South Mr. Paukios Georgiades 2004 2 delegates Nicosia –South Y2P Levent Kizilduman, Xenia Constantinou
2-Jul-2004 Y2P: Meeting with the Minister of Education – North Mr. Erbil Akbil 2004 2 delegates Nicosia-North Y2P Levent Kizilduman, Xenia Constantinou
24-Jul-2004 Y2P: Presentation of Y2P at SIT Vermont Camps 2004 2 delegates Vermont - USA three hours Fulbright Marios Antoniou, Xenia Constantinou Cyprus Fulbright Commission
30-Jul-2004 Y2P: Workshop: “The Role of Media in the Cyprus Conflict” 2004 22 Kerynia 2 days Y2P Melaina Spitzer, Levent Kizilduman, Xenia Constantinou HasNa Inc.- Cyprus HasNa Inc.

Important Contributions of Y2P

  • Changed society’s attitudes
  • Brought teenagers from the 2 communities together
  • Showed common things two the youth, connect on common grounds – violence, crime, drugs, AIDS
  • Offered an example for peace education
  • Promoted principles of tolerance – through conferences, events of understanding
  • The uniqueness of the members themeselves – have been good educated, took part in peace building conferences, mediation, conflict resolution etc. had an impact not only to the youth but also the entire society, political parties, decision making, democracy – raised questions, education – peace education, politics – time fo change
  • Demonstrated how the youth can also work with the UN
  • Their example encouraged many other organizations to fund, support and advertise Y2P ‘s events; e.g., Fulbright, cyprus youth organizations, Cyber Kids etc.

External Links

References