Young people and peacebuilding in The Hague

This edition of the Fireside Peace Chats (FPC) focuses on the perspective of young people. What role can and should they play in promoting peace, from the local to the global level?

The guest speaker is Jonathan van Varik, youth worker, freelance peacebuilder and head coordinator of the Youth Peace Summit 2026. The discussion with him will focus on connecting young people, institutions, organisations and governments. Themes include dialogue, innovation and inclusion.

The Youth Peace Summit will also be discussed. There will be a preview of the summit in 2026 and the launch of a new infrastructure that connects young peacebuilders throughout the year. In addition, the Youth Peace Manifesto 2025 and its contribution to international peace initiatives will be discussed.

What are the Fireside Peace Chats?

The Fireside Peace Chats bring together practice, research and policy on peacebuilding in an informal setting. There is room for personal stories from peacebuilders and people with experience in conflict areas.

The aim is to share knowledge and experiences and thus contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.

The Fireside Peace Chats were created as an initiative of Leiden University College (LUC), the Knowledge Platform for Security and the Rule of Law (KPSRL) and The Hague Humanity Hub (THHH).