Seven Weeks of Learning: PATH Youth Strengthen Leadership and Peacebuilding Skills Across the MENA Region
Over the past seven weeks, 20 young peacebuilders from Libya, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq have taken part in the Peace Advocacy Training Hub (PATH), a programme designed to strengthen youth leadership, gender equality, and inclusive peacebuilding across the MENA region. Through a combination of expert-led sessions, peer learning, and practical tools, participants have explored key dimensions of peace, reform, and community resilience.
Foundations of Peacebuilding and Inclusive Leadership
The journey began with Karma Ekmekji, who introduced the foundations of peacebuilding, conflict sensitivity, and women’s leadership. Participants reflected on how inclusive leadership and community participation are essential to building sustainable peace in their local contexts.
Democratic Reform and Policy Advocacy
In the second session, Dr. Maya Alrahabi led an exploration of democratic reform, constitution building, and feminist policy advocacy. The group discussed how gender-responsive legislation and participatory governance advance justice and equality across the region.
Digital Advocacy and Media Literacy
The third session, delivered by Ruwaida Al-Araby, focused on digital tools, misinformation, and gendered narratives. Participants practiced fact-checking techniques and examined how digital spaces can both undermine and support peacebuilding efforts.
Negotiation, Mediation, and Dialogue
For the fourth session, Sarah Al Sheikh guided the participants through negotiation, mediation, dialogue, and strategic communication. Using tools such as the Conflict Tree and Conflict Wheel, the group explored feminist and ethical approaches to addressing conflict.
Inclusive Governance, Social Cohesion, and Working with Local Leaders
Led by Lea Baroudi, the next session examined inclusive governance and social cohesion. Participants discussed the complementary roles of activists, mediators, and leaders, and explored whether advocacy and neutrality can coexist in peacebuilding work.
Together, they broadened the definition of inclusive governance to include groups often forgotten in political processes — unemployed youth, former fighters, detainees, stateless persons, and people without digital access. They identified community entry points for strengthening social cohesion and reflected on how exclusion fuels mistrust in the MENA region.
Transitional Justice and People-Centered Approaches
In the sixth session, Bissan Bunni guided participants through the principles of transitional justice. The group distinguished between justice (rights and rule of law) and transition (moving from conflict toward peace) and reflected on impunity, accountability, forgiveness, and institutional reform.
Drawing on national experiences, they discussed how transitional justice must be context-specific, inclusive, and participatory — ensuring that victims, women, and marginalized groups shape the process. The session emphasized how truth-seeking and reconciliation help rebuild trust and prevent renewed violence.
Designing Initiatives and Building Networks
The seventh session, led by Sarah Al Houni, focused on designing community-driven initiatives and building strong networks. Participants learned how to identify community needs, define target groups, set SMART goals, and design sustainable interventions.
Through examples from Kenya, South Africa, Somalia, Tunisia, and Lebanon, they reflected on the importance of adaptability when responding to emerging challenges. The session concluded with an exploration of network-building using tools such as the influence–interest grid, highlighting how strategic partnerships and trust are essential for long-term impact.
Building Momentum for Peace Across the Region
Across all seven sessions, PATH has created a collaborative learning space that connects knowledge with lived experience. Each week, participants have shown remarkable openness, commitment, and creativity — applying new concepts to the challenges they face in their communities.
These topics lie at the heart of sustainable peace and reform in the MENA region. Empowering young women and men with critical awareness, practical skills, and regional solidarity strengthens local resilience and advances the goals of the UN Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication the participants continue to bring to every session and look forward to the next stage of the journey