From March 1 to 7, 2026, young people from Ukraine 
, Italy 
, France 
, Poland 
, and Austria 
gathered in the city of Ceprano to explore together important themes related to war, peace, and Europe’s historical memory.
The “Peace & Youth” project took place 80 years after the end of World War II near Monte Cassino—the site of one of the bloodiest battles of that era. It was this historical context that served as the foundation for in-depth discussions about the past, the present, and the role of young people in building a peaceful future.
During the exchange, participants:
studied the history of World War II and its impact on modern Europe;
discussed topics such as peace, democracy, human rights, and active civic participation;
shared their countries’ experiences and learned to understand different historical and cultural perspectives;
listened to personal stories from Ukrainian youth about life during the war and the challenges they face today.
Intercultural dialogue proved to be a particularly important element of the project—participants had the opportunity to hear real-life stories, share their own thoughts, and collectively rethink the meaning of peace in today’s world.
“Peace & Youth” demonstrated that an understanding of history helps us better understand the present, and that open dialogue among young people from different countries lays the foundation for mutual respect, cooperation, and a peaceful future.
