ACTIVITIES

In places where tension is a constant backdrop and the threat of escalating conflict is always present, the need for initiatives that build peace is undeniable. Especially for the younger generation, stepping into the realm of peacebuilding is both a critical and daunting task. Their projects need to navigate the complex balance between doing no harm, staying relevant to their contexts, and overcoming societal pressures that might silence their calls for peace. This was the central theme of a workshop organized by Peace Dialogue NGO, part of the Contact 3.0 project, aimed at addressing these challenges. The workshop, titled “Obtaining Effective Methodology for Designing Peacebuilding Local Initiatives,” took place from March 2 to March 3, 2024, and focused on deepening young participants’ understanding of peacebuilding, its challenges, and strategies for creating impactful local initiatives.

At the meeting, Ambassador Maragos offered a warm welcome to all attendees, underscoring his commitment to fostering ongoing discussions with Armenia’s civil society. He highlighted the vital role of civil society’s engagement in driving forward the EU-Armenia partnership, acknowledging the significant transitions facing Armenia and its society.

Following the launch of the Contact 3.0 project on November 14-20, 2023, Peace Dialogue NGO, in collaboration with its German partner OWEN NGO, convened the second international reflection meeting in Potsdam, Germany. Participants of the event included team members from the project’s three countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Germany – along with young individuals who had implemented their own local initiatives in recent months. The meeting aimed to assess the small-scale projects fulfilled in each country. In Armenia, efforts centered on mitigating war-related repercussions, while in Azerbaijan, the focus was on preparing the society for peace. Meanwhile, in Germany, the initiative was devoted to addressing the challenges faced by refugees resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

In the summer of 2023, Peace Dialogue NGO embarked on an inspiring journey to empower young minds in Vanadzor, Armenia. Guided by Nikola Turière and Rima Galstyan, the Brainstorming Theater youth club became a dynamic platform for teenagers to explore their potential, engage in grassroots projects, and become active and informed citizens. This activity was part of a project CONTACT 3.0 that is implemented by Peace Dialogue NGO in partnership with the German partner OWEN eV.

Over two days, from August 24th to 25th, Peace Dialogue NGO convened a regional meeting in Tbilisi aimed at collectively designing a practical and mutually agreeable research methodology. Endorsed by both Armenian and Azerbaijani participants, the methodology seeks to thoroughly delve into urgent needs within their respective communities.

Peace Dialogue is planning to facilitate six focus-group discussions across Armenia and, apart from that, will be engaging in conversations with approximately 350 individuals with interviews. This approach aims to comprehensively understand the perceptions of people regarding the threats hindering building long-term and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Through this process, the organization aims to identify the most pressing and urgent needs that require immediate attention, ultimately fostering the endorsement of a more inclusive and far-reaching peace treaty.

On June 10, 2023, Peace Dialogue NGO published a summary report entitled “The Legal Status of Former Prisoners of War in the Republic of Armenia”. The organization enquired the mentioned governmental institutions to provide a conclusion on the submitted recommendations related to their functions in order to develop future joint effective steps aimed at protecting the rights of repatriated former prisoners of war.