In a region long overshadowed by conflict, a new generation of women leaders is quietly reshaping peacebuilding efforts. At the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Youth Forum in Riyadh, young women from the South Caucasus showcased how reconciliation can be fostered not through formal negotiations, but through everyday conversations in courtyards, virtual sessions, and cross-border friendships that were once unimaginable in their communities.
Among them, Ana Kuprava from Georgia, Maria Yasyan from Armenia, and Shahana Afandiyeva from Azerbaijan, alumni of UNAOC’s Young Peacebuilders programme, are leading initiatives that turn local interactions into bridges across divides. Ana’s project, From Borders to Bridges, brought together 50 young people from Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani backgrounds, many of whom had never interacted with neighboring communities. Using online modules, creative exercises, and informal “yard conversations” in Tbilisi, participants rediscovered coexistence as part of the region’s shared history.
Shahana emphasized that trust in the region is fragile but can be nurtured step by step. Even virtual sessions allowed participants to connect authentically, sharing humor, hesitation, and eventually confidence. She observed that young people do not need abundant resources to counter extremism—intent and engagement are enough. “Diversity is not something to be scared of. It is something beautiful that we need to be proud of,” she noted.
Maria highlighted the often-overlooked role of women in peacebuilding. She witnessed participants challenge themselves, ask difficult questions, and actively engage in shaping dialogue. The project’s influence extended beyond its formal end, with participants maintaining cross-border contact, exploring collaborations, and initiating new small-scale projects. Maria also continues to support youth in rural areas to develop skills, instilling confidence and fostering leadership.
For the three women, the UNAOC Young Peacebuilders programme provided mentorship, practical tools, and the confidence to work with hesitant or divided communities. They learned project design, risk assessment, intergenerational communication, and trust-building, whether face-to-face or online. Yet the deeper lesson was that meaningful change does not require headlines—small actions, conversations, and moments of recognition can have profound impact.
Shahana reflected that peace in the region cannot rely solely on geopolitics but requires inclusive, human-centered approaches driven by youth. Ana observed that for many participants, it was their first interaction with peers of different nationalities, leaving them feeling safe, valued, and empowered. Maria encouraged others to take initiative, emphasizing teamwork and creativity: “Be creative, take action, and stand for each other. Don’t do it alone, do it with a team.”
