INNOV8PEACE Kick-Off Meeting #IAYSP EUME
Throughout April 5–7, the city of Vienna hosted the INNOV8PEACE Kick-Off Meeting– a three-day gathering that marked the official launch of this exciting youth-led initiative.
The meeting welcomed enthusiastic representatives from each partner organization, bringing together a dynamic team committed to empowering youth across Europe and beyond.
Their insights, drawn from both academic and field experience, played a crucial role in refining the Training of Trainers (TOT) structure, strengthening youth engagement strategies, and finalizing methodologies to be implemented throughout the program. This multi-stakeholder partnership–bridging the academic world and youth-led organizations–ensures that INNOV8PEACE is grounded, relevant, and scalable.
But what bigger impact does this project have on a global scale? The Kick-Off Meeting wasn’t just about planning, it was also about aligning efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). INNOV8PEACE directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing young people with the knowledge and skills to lead peace initiatives in their communities. Through interactive and values-based learning, the project empowers participants to become confident and capable changemakers.
It also addresses SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) by promoting dialogue, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership among youth. By investing in young voices, INNOV8PEACE strengthens local and regional efforts toward peaceful coexistence. And finally, the initiative embodies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between youth organizations such as IAYSP EUME, and academic institutions such as the University of Tetovo.
