Debate for Peace successfully completed its fourth international delegation to the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, bringing together exemplary Model United Nations (MUN) and diplomacy students from 12 different schools. This program remains a key platform for nurturing young leaders’ understanding of global issues, diplomacy, and peace initiatives.

This year’s delegation took part in a notable conference titled “A Sustainable Future of Peace Starts Now—With Education: SDG 16,” emphasizing the crucial role of education in fostering peaceful, inclusive societies. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which advocates for justice, strong institutions, and peaceful coexistence worldwide. The conference was organized by the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), with support from the UNODC Youth Mainstreaming unit

Throughout their visit, the students participated in insightful briefings and discussions with several UN organizations, including UNOOSA, UNHCR, UNODA, and UNODC. They also met with representatives from the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and prominent think tanks such as the International Institute for Peace. Additionally, the delegation engaged with the leadership of the EU Delegation to International Organizations in Vienna and the US Mission to the UN (USUNVIE), gaining vital knowledge about diplomatic procedures and international collaboration.

A major highlight of the trip was a three-hour session dedicated to Youth and Peacebuilding. The event featured speakers from the missions from Burkina Faso, Mexico, and the Philippines, Jean-Luc Lemahieu, former Director at UNODC, and Ms. Paloma Munne- Youth mainstreaming specialist at UNODC, as well as civil society representatives. Four Debate for Peace students participated as panelists, sharing insights into the challenges facing youth in the peacebuilding arena and discussing ways that adults can support young leaders in creating positive change and fostering dialogue.

At the conclusion of the panel, the Youth Ambassador for Peace award was bestowed by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) upon members of Debate for Peace, and the Global Women Peace Ambassadors award was given to several panelists by the Women’s Federation for World Peace.

The participating students represented a broad spectrum of educational institutions, including Hand In Hand, Atid Raziel, Ohel-Shem, Al Hikma High School, Deshalit High School, Darca Begin Gedera, Schmidt Schule, Meitarim, Al Galil High School, Prishtina High School, Ort Hilmi Shafie, and El Ein Jouiner High School. Their active involvement illustrates the potential of youth to contribute meaningfully to peace efforts at a global level.

The US Mission to the UN in Vienna stated “We were delighted to welcome a remarkable interfaith student group this week for an engaging discussion on our work with Vienna-based international organizations. These bright young leaders posed thoughtful, challenging questions about our work in Vienna and engaged in meaningful dialogue on today’s most pressing world issues. Engagements like this help America invest in the leadership potential of the next generation ensuring strength, safety, and prosperity for generations to come.”

The Women’s Federation for World Peace stressed the importance of cooperation and endurance in peacework: “To work for peace is a continuous effort- one has to be ready and alert at all times- ready to get involved when a conflict is starting- get the parties to talk it out- also being ready listen to each other, then to find a peaceful solution together…

We have to all share this responsibility to make this world a safe place for everyone. Therefore we cooperate as a network with like minded people and initiatives!! No one can do it all alone!”

Debate for Peace extends its sincere appreciation to all partners and organizations that facilitated this delegation. Special gratitude was expressed to the Women’s Federation for World Peace Vienna office (WFWP), International Institute for Peace (IIP), Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs of Austria, US Mission to the UN (USUNVIE), Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna, International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), UN Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).