Youth Promoting Peace

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). 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:

• Xenia Constantinou
• Münevver Güzoğlu
• Ugurcan Yasamsal
• Levent Kizilduman
• Nikoletta Koutsakou
• Synthia Pavlou
• Natasa Xenophontos

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:

• Daphne Anastasiades
• Athos Violaris
• Marios Antoniou

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

• Technology for Peace - Information Website on Bi-communal Activities