Youth Peace Week is an event series organized since 2019 that brings together most of the actors in the sector and offers young people an opportunity to explore and participate in peace work. The week is inspired by UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, which emphasizes that young people play a significant role in building and maintaining peace in our societies: sustainable peace cannot be achieved without youth.

Program and Registration Links for Youth Peace Week 2026:

 

Sept 14

 

Art Workshop: When Peace Shatters

What does peace feel like – and what does it feel like when it shatters? In this workshop, we will explore emotions and thoughts related to peace through artistic means. Every participant gets to create their own artwork and, if they wish, discuss it. The workshop is facilitated by doctoral researcher in educational sciences and artist Iida Kallio. Participation does not require your own materials or special skills.

 

Film Screening and Discussion

Welcome to Youth Peace Week to watch Yasmin Najjar’s short film TJ28 and discuss it with the director! In the film, Palestinian-Finnish Amani Lillak completes her voluntary military service in the medical corps of the Finnish Defense Forces. In the middle of the final military exercise, Lillak hears that the crisis in her father’s home country has escalated further. In the army, war is simulated, but the protagonist’s Palestinian family experiences it in reality. The film is based on Yasmin Najjar’s own experiences of voluntary military service, and she plays the lead role. TJ28 is her master’s thesis film for the Department of Film at Aalto University. The film screening is free of charge and takes place on Monday, September 14 from 18:00 to 20:00 as part of Youth Peace Week at the Finn Church Aid office. The event includes a screening of the 30-minute short film followed by a discussion with director Yasmin Najjar. The event is held at Eteläranta 8 (3rd floor), 00130 Helsinki. The venue is accessible. The event will be held in Finnish. Travel expenses will be reimbursed for participants against bus and train tickets according to Changemaker’s travel policy. Additional questions can be sent to Changemaker Coordinator Petra Karjalainen at petra.karjalainen@kua.fi / +358 50 3423799.

 

Sept 15

 

International Democracy Day Seminar (Webinar)

International Democracy Day Seminar: Democracy is eroded by weak signals – where to find hope amidst crises?

 

Book Club with Susanne Dahlgren: Changing Middle East

The event will be held in Finnish

Welcome to discuss the book Muuttuva Lähi-Itä(“Changing Middle East”) with Susanne Dahlgren. Susanne is a former director of the Finnish Institute in the Middle East and one of the co-authors of the book. You are welcome to join the book club even if you haven’t finished reading the book.

 

Sept 16

 

Stories from the Field

The event will be held in Finnish

In the “Stories from the Field” event aimed at young people, four experts from different backgrounds share their experiences from international peace and security assignments. The aim of the event is for representatives of different generations with diverse international experience to share their insights, giving young people interested in international peace and security roles an opportunity to engage in discussion with them. Due to limited space, seating is limited, so please register as soon as possible to secure your spot!

  • Organizer: Youth, Peace and Security Network & CMC
  • Time: 14:00–15:15
  • Location: Säätytalo, Helsinki
  • Registration link: forms.gle/qCgJnU25fkoY1Sf99

 

Dialogue on Peace

The event will be held in Finnish

The Dialogue on Peace workshop is conducted as an open fishbowl discussion, where participants examine future peacebuilding from different perspectives. The discussion explores what actions, choices, and societal structures promote sustainable and just peace, as well as whose responsibility peacebuilding is now and in the future. The low-threshold format allows flexible participation, listening, and joining the conversation. The goal is to strengthen pluralistic dialogue and participants’ sense of their own role as peacebuilders.

 

Sept 17

CULTURE OF WARYou are warmly invited to the opening of “Culture of War” — a powerful series of digital graphic works exploring the devastating impact of war on culture, memory, identity, and human lives.What happens to a culture when its cities are destroyed, its people are forced to leave, and its traditions are threatened with disappearance?Through symbolism and visual storytelling, the exhibition speaks about loss, displacement, exile, cultural heritage, and resilience. It reflects on the destruction of cultural worlds — while also revealing something that war cannot destroy: the human need to remember, create, preserve identity, and carry culture forward.Culture of War goes beyond one country or one conflict. It is a reflection on the universal human cost of war and on the role of culture in preserving dignity, memory, and connection.In honour of the International Day of Peace, the exhibition creates a space for remembrance, reflection, dialogue, and solidarity.Culture survives. Memory survives. Identity survives.Come and experience art as a living force — one that connects people, preserves what is threatened with disappearance, and gives us the strength to look towards peace.

 

  • Organizer: Kateryna Harahulia / Dextrum Methodo
  • Time: 7:00 PM (Exhibition: 17–23 September 2026)
  • Location: U•ART Gallery, Annankatu 11, Helsinki
  • Free entry

 

Sept 20

 

PEACE FEST

What if we could create peace with our own hands?
On September 20, we invite you to a warm, creative, and truly joyful celebration dedicated to friendship, kindness, understanding, and hope.

Here’s what awaits you:
• Drawing and creative workshops
• Making doves of peace and polymer clay jewelry
• Creating your own badges
• Discovering the stories and meanings behind symbols of peace
• Meeting new people, connecting, smiling, and sharing beautiful moments
It will be a space for creativity, inspiration, and joy, where everyone can make something special with their own hands — and take home a little reminder of this day.
The dove of peace is more than just a symbol.
It is a wish for kindness, freedom, mutual respect, and a world without war.
Come with your friends, children, or the whole family — everyone is welcome!

  • Organizer: Ad Astra
  • Time: 15:00–18:00
  • Location: Helsinki, Yrjönkatu 27, 2nd floor, Lilla Luckan
  • Free entry

 

Sept 21

 

Youth Perspectives on Polarization – When Does Difference Become Division?

The event will be held in English

This panel discussion examines polarization from a youth perspective across three different contexts: the South Caucasus, Finland, and Palestine. These contexts were chosen to understand how the environment shapes the nature and intensity of youth polarization. The panel aims to unpack the key drivers of polarization in each context, young people’s experiences as actors shaped by polarized environments, and the impacts of polarization on social cohesion and peace. Additionally, the role of youth in actively resisting or contributing to polarization will be examined.

 

Peace Week Movie Night & Discussion: One Life

The event will be held in English

Join us for a screening of One Life (2023), based on the true story of Nicholas Winton and his efforts to help Jewish and refugee children in Czechoslovakia before the Second World War. After the film, we’ll reflect together on courage, solidarity, and the difference one person can make.

 

 

Sept 21 – Sept 28

 

European Youth Peace Week Youth Exchange

 

25.9.

 

Friday Club: guest program features a joint future workshop by Finnish, Lithuanian, and German conscientious objectors

Expect young people’s own culture of peace in its natural home, the Peace Station in East Pasila! Performers TBA, follow @rauhankahvila_fredrika on IG! Fredrika is a vegan and apartheid-free space. Free entry!

 

  • Organizer:Fredrika (Rauhankulttuuri ry) ja Aseistakieltäytyjäliitto
  • Location: Peace Station (Rauhanasema) / Veturitori 3, 00520 Helsinki
  • Free entry

 

 

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