This September, Ledra Palace Hotel became a hub of innovation and collaboration as a new group of 28 young people from across the divide gathered for the 5th edition of the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace programme. Over two intensive weekends, they embarked on a transformative journey designed to equip them with the skills and networks to tackle environmental challenges as a catalyst for peace. 

The programme kicked off with opening remarks from UNFICYP’ Senior Advisor, Aderemi Adekoya and Anastasia Andritsou, Director of the British Council Cyprus and Greece, and a video message from Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs based in New York.  

The first afternoon was spent “laying the foundations,” exploring the critical links between environment and peace, followed by an environmental walking tour through Nicosia's walled city, guided by Vijdan Şengör and Myrto Skouroupathi, both alumni of the programme. This unique activity connected past and present Champions, turning the city itself into a classroom. 

The following days were packed with interactive learning. Participants gained crucial local context from experts on “the state of the environment in Cyprus” before diving into a “living library” session. During the sessions, they heard powerful, firsthand stories from a vibrant group of young activists, including previous Youth Champions, who shared their experiences in climate advocacy, sustainable fashion, and community organizing. 

For Maya Vasiloudes Bayada, who is part of the new group, programmes like the Youth Champions helps young people bridge the divide: “When we, the youth of Cyprus, are heard, we don't just build a dialogue for tomorrow, we build a shared home for our future”. 

The learning continued through experiential games, including a climate negotiation simulation that challenged participants to step into the shoes of diplomats and navigate complex international talks. “This hands-on approach is central to the programme's methodology, moving beyond theory into practical skill-building,” stated Maria Tsiarta, UNFICYP Associate Civil Affairs Officer and one of the organizers.

The core of the training was the development of tangible environmental actions. Participants mapped key issues in Cyprus, formed intercommunal teams, and dedicated entire days to brainstorming and refining their project ideas. They participated in specialized team-building exercises to strengthen their collaborative bonds and received invaluable, hands-on guidance during a session where they consulted a panel of experts and programme alumni to strengthen their proposals.

For Elcem Çınarlılı, who is also part of this new cohort: “When we as young Cypriots work to protect our natural resources, we are not just cleaning a beach or planting a tree, we are nurturing the one thing that unites us all: our island.”

The final day culminated in teams presenting their environmental actions to the entire cohort, receiving feedback, and solidifying their plans for implementation in the months ahead. This intensive training is just the beginning. The new Champions are now moving into the action phase, where they will receive small grants and ongoing mentorship to bring their projects to life by January 2026. 

For UNFICYP, engaging with young Cypriots plays a vital role to foster meaningful interactions and increase understanding and trust between the communities. We believe that by encouraging youth engagement active participation provides them with the necessary tools to help amplify their voices and inspire a path towards a sustainable future. 

The UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace programme is implemented by UNFICYP in collaboration with the British Council. The initiative also acknowledges the support of the Australian High Commission, the European Climate Pact, PlanBe, the Cyprus Energy Agency, and the Cohesion4(E)U project, co-funded by the European Union. Their commitment empowers a new generation of leaders to build a more peaceful and sustainable future in Cyprus.