While this situation increases concerns about the security of the civilian population, neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt continue to directly feel the effects of the war. The crisis in the region increases the risk of instability and opens the door to a new conflict environment.
In these difficult conditions, the Inner Peace project, which has been carried out for two years with the contributions of the European Integration Association, set out to ensure that young people negatively affected by conflicts take an active role in peacebuilding and to contribute to permanent peace in the region. The project aims to ensure that young people gain psychological resilience and have the skills needed to build and maintain a peaceful environment.
At the international event held on November 9, 2024, in partnership with Turkey, Lithuania, Palestine, Jordan, Sweden and Egypt, researchers from various countries came together and shared the achievements they achieved throughout the project and the peace visions they developed with other participants.
Making a statement, Turgut Kaan Akkoca, Chairman and Director of the Supervisory Board of the European Integration Association, expressed his satisfaction with the project and said: “Our main goal with the Inner Peace project is to ensure that young people, who are our future, actively participate in the processes of building a peace environment and have the necessary skills to carry out these processes.” was to provide. In this context, this project we are carrying out with key partners shows the importance of Turkey’s role in building peace and that a just order can be achieved under the leadership of Turkey, primarily in the Middle East and throughout the world.”
Al Quds Open University International and Foreign Affairs President Advisor Dr. Inshirah Nabhan drew attention to the importance of the project: “I believe that young people must first be in a peaceful environment in order to find inner peace. It was very gratifying for us to see that someone really cared about our young people during the Inner Peace movement. “Such projects offer a great opportunity for young people to move both themselves and their societies to a better place.”
The Inner Peace project aims to contribute to the development of young people growing up in the shadow of conflicts as individuals sensitive to solidarity, empathy and peace. The project ensures that young people have the qualifications to contribute to peace even in crisis situations, especially by improving psychosocial support, communication and leadership skills. Such efforts for peace in the Middle East are seen as a promising step for young people to take a more active role in peace processes.