What happens when you bring together a molecular biologist and a lawyer, a Turkish Cypriot and a Greek Cypriot, not to debate the past, but to plant a tree for the future? The answer, according to the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace, is that trust grows naturally.
As the global UN campaign #InvestInPeace reminds us, sustainable peace requires active, daily investment. Aligned with the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, which recognizes the critical role of young people in preventing conflict and building lasting peace, the Youth Champions initiative is proving that reconciliation can begin with a single seedling.
For two young Cypriots, Andria Paphiti and Damla Lama, joining the UN Youth Champions programme was a natural step. Damla, a molecular biologist working in healthcare, explains, “I’ve seen how deeply environment, health, and social inequalities are connected. Growing up in Cyprus made me aware of how division affects every aspect of life.”
Andria, a lawyer focused on natural resources and environmental protection, adds, “this background shaped my understanding of how environmental issues are linked to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.”
Together, their group implemented ReLeaf, a youth-led environmental peacebuilding initiative combining awareness-raising activities on preventing wildfires, reforestation and community engagement. Describing the team, Andria says, “A group of young people from different backgrounds who chose trust, curiosity, and cooperation over division.” Damla echoes, “A diverse group that turned differences into strength through openness and shared purpose.”
Both young women highlight how collaboration emerged naturally when the focus shifted from political labels to shared action. Damla recalls, “A highlight was seeing how quickly barriers disappeared once we started working together toward something meaningful.” Andria shares, “One meaningful moment was an informal conversation where we moved beyond labels and spoke about personal hopes and our shared concern for the future of the island. That moment made collaboration feel human and genuine.”
For Damla, the key lesson was simple, “I realized that meaningful dialogue doesn’t have to start with difficult topics. Sometimes working side by side on something simple creates a stronger foundation for trust than direct discussions ever could.” Andria agrees, “Dialogue doesn’t always begin with political discussions. Sometimes it begins with planting a tree together and allowing trust to grow naturally from shared action.”
Why the environment? Damla notes, “Because it directly affects everyone, regardless of background. Issues like sustainability and health are shared concerns, making the environment a natural starting point for cooperation.” Andria adds, “Instead of focusing on differences, we focused on solutions. That shift made collaboration feel genuine and productive rather than symbolic.”
Looking ahead, both champions embody the spirit of investing in peace. Damla reflects, “Being a UN Youth Champion means having the responsibility to actively contribute, not just talk about change but be part of creating it.” Her hope is shared, “I believe these kinds of initiatives can create long-term impact if they keep growing and reaching more people.”
This vision, of youth leading the way and shared action bridging the island’s division, is exactly what the Youth, Peace and Security agenda champions. The UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace, organized by UNFICYP with the support of the British Council in Cyprus, is living proof that investing in young people and a common goal builds not only a greener island, but a more peaceful one.
