From 16–18 October, DPI hosted a peace table in Istanbul in collaboration with the Irish Embassy in Ankara and the Istanbul Bilgi University Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies and Research (CCR). Focused on the theme of Youth Voicing Peace, the event brought together a diverse group of young participants — mainly university students from Turkey, Iran, Ukraine, Russia, and beyond — to share experiences, reflect on their potential as peacebuilders, and gain conflict resolution skills.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ronan Cunniffe, Irish Deputy Head of Mission in Turkey, followed by a screening of Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs, which sparked discussion on youth roles in peace processes. Keynote speaker Monica McWilliams, co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, shared her insights on inclusivity, pluralism, and mediation in peace negotiations.
Participants discussed the psychological and social impacts of war and highlighted the need for deeper analysis of youth perspectives, particularly regarding civic rights, discrimination, and unemployment. The event inspired young people to see their own role in peacebuilding and affirmed DPI’s commitment to supporting youth engagement in future programmes.