Voices for peace
Though conflict, violence, and division cast a long shadow, a powerful counter-movement is rising. Across the world, people are refusing to be defined by hate, choosing instead to become architects of peace. They are demanding a future that is brighter, fairer and more meaningful for everyone¡ªregardless of race, identity or origin.
These are the stories of those who dare to shape the world. Students, survivors, community leaders, activists, even neighbours¡ªordinary people with extraordinary courage. They are the changemakers, the peacebuilders, the ones who refuse to let violence have the final word. Their stories will inspire you, challenge you, and remind you that even the gentlest touch can send ripples of change across the world.
Brewing peace: Former combatants transform Colombia¡¯s coffee industry
In the quiet hills of Huila, coffee farms led by former combatants are becoming symbols of peace, resilience, and reconciliation in a region scarred by decades of conflict.
After ten years of violence, displacement and immense suffering under the Islamic State, Iraqis are fighting to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. From Sinjar to Mosul, here are their stories of hope and courage.
Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees return home following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, looking towards rebuilding a country after more than a decade of war and uncertainty.
Globally, one in three women experience violence in their lifetime. Meet Rolyn who works as a team leader at a local crisis centre for women and girls facing gender-based violence in a country where the prevalence of violence against women is even greater.
Irene Cari, an indigenous activist, is a leading voice in the fight against racist sexual violence and femicide. Her association offers crucial support to women and girls experiencing various forms of abuse, including sexual abuse.
The tragic murder of his sister in 2023 by her husband became a catalyst for Aitbek Amangeldi. Driven by this devastating loss, he founded an initiative dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
From Kosovo to the Gambia, changemakers like Nevena ?okovi? and Bakary Sonko are demonstrating the power of community-led solutions through climate-resilient agriculture, cultivating hope in communities facing environmental hardship.
"No circumstances will extinguish the lifeline of hope for our young people," says Sara Al Shamali, an aid volunteer in Gaza who is risking her own safety to help others caught in the same conflict. Discover her story of resilience and courage.
In war-ravaged Sudan, where aid organizations struggle to operate, Hanin Ahmed, Muhammad Al-Ebaid,and AbuZar Othman have become beacons of hope, providing lifesaving emergency medical response, in the face of immense challenges.
After 13 years of conflict, people in Syria continue to need support beyond their day-to-day survival, including Ayoush, a farmer and single mother in Idleb.
Local communities in the heart of the Congo Basin forest show great courage and strength in the face of multiple crises and a changing environment.
In Ukraine, more than two years of war has polluted the country¡¯s air, soil and water. Climate action begins with restoring our connection with nature, says Diana Popfalushi.
We had to fight for peace¡ªreflects Suraida ¡®Sur¡¯ Amil, a former combatant turned peace facilitator determined to end gender-based violence and violent extremism in her community.
¡°I believe education is the most powerful weapon to change the world,¡± says Maimouna Ba who is helping to transform the lives of displaced children and women through education.
In an act of kindness, Aly Guindo not only offer shelter to displaced families¡ªhe also shared his land, helping them rebuild their lives through sustainable farming.
After years of being internally displaced, a family in Sri Lanka returns home, determined to create a better life through innovation and entrepreneurship - one cement brick at a time.
Guatemala: Empowering women peace makers
A peacebuilding project invests in indigenous communities¡¯ education on conflict resolution, empowering many women to access leadership positions within their governance structures.
Sierra Leone: Improving women¡¯s access to water
In Sierra Leone¡¯s capital Freetown, where conflict over water resources has escalated, learn how women are leading change with water kiosks equipped with solar purification systems.
Community empowerment, climate resilience and peacebuilding are helping to address decades of inter-communal violence in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
A mostly volunteer-run shelter in Artibonite, in Haiti, an area marred by rising levels of violence, becomes a beacon of hope for survivors of gender-based violence.
Somalia: Women's leadership for peace
In a society dominated by male-centric clan dynamics, Somali women are pushing for change by bridging divisions and fostering dialogue within the clan system.