Within the framework of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) meeting in Riyadh, a Youth Forum took place on Monday in which, among others, young women from the South Caucasus participated.
They are rethinking what reconciliation can look like, not through grand negotiations but through backyard conversations, virtual late-night sessions, and the kind of cross-border friendships that many in their communities have never dared to imagine.
These are not diplomats. They are the next generation. And they are rewriting the script.
From borders to bridges
On the sidelines of the Forum, UN News met with three of them: Ana Kuprava from Georgia, Maria Yasyan from Armenia and Shahana Afandiyeva from Azerbaijan, all alumni of UNAOC’s Young Peace Builders program.
Ana leads a youth project titled From borders to bridges, a four-month initiative supported by her friends María and Shahana.
For her, the idea arose in her hometown, Tbilisi. Georgia’s diversity is often celebrated, he said, but everyday reality – especially in remote areas – is much more fragmented.
“We live together, different nationalities, different religions, but when it comes to collaboration and interculturalism, it becomes an issue. We don’t collaborate much with each other.”
Their project brought together 50 young people of Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani origin, some from big cities and others from remote minority villages. Many had never spoken to someone from a neighboring community.
Through online modules, creative exercises, and what Ana calls “courtyard conversations” in ancient Tbilisi courtyards, participants discovered something quietly powerful: coexistence had always been woven into the region’s history; It had simply been forgotten.
‘This is the first step’
Shahana joined the initiative from Azerbaijan, participating in sessions on preventing extremism and radicalization among young people. For her, trust is built slowly, often through the smallest gestures.
“We come from a region with complex histories and fragile trust,” he said. “But it’s all about the first step. Then the rest will come later.”
Even in virtual sessions, he recalls how conversations with cameras helped participants let down their guard, revealing excitement, humor, hesitation and, ultimately, confidence.
On the impact, he said that young people showed that they did not need abundant resources to counter extremism. What they needed was intention.
“Diversity is not something to be afraid of. It is a beautiful thing we should be proud of.”
Women at the center of peacebuilding
Speaking from Armenia, Maria focused on something that is often left aside: the role women play in peace processes, especially in regions with a long history of mutual suspicion.
Despite linguistic challenges and political tensions, he watched young people lean in, interrupt, ask difficult questions and, most importantly, challenge themselves.
“They were interrupting, asking questions. They were really interested. They want to learn more, they want to talk and they are the agents of change.”
His message to young people around the world is direct:
“We need to stand up, speak out and defend each other. Everyone can do that if they really want to.”
The project’s influence extended beyond its formal purpose. Participants stayed in touch, sent follow-up questions, added her to social media, and began exploring cross-border collaboration.
Maria is also running another initiative at home, supporting young people (especially in rural communities) in developing essential skills. Some of its participants, who were previously unsure of their capabilities, are now planning their own small-scale projects.
“At first they weren’t sure they could do it, but then they started taking the lead on bigger ideas. They see themselves as today’s change agents.”
The High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (center) with a group of young people participating in the Youth Forum held by the Alliance as part of its Global forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Learning to lead: one conversation at a time
For the three women, UNAOC’s Young Peace Builders program was the spark. It offered mentorship, practical tools, and the confidence to work with communities that, at first glance, may seem hesitant or divided.
They learned how to design projects, assess risks, communicate across generations, and build trust face-to-face or screen-to-screen.
But the most profound lesson was another: change does not need headlines.
A conversation in a patio. A shared history. A moment of recognition.
“We live in a region that is moving from conflict to peace,” Shahana said. “Peace cannot be built only through geopolitics. We need a more inclusive and more humane peace and we need young people to build it.”
Ana heard something similar from her own participants. Many told him that it was the first time they had spoken with colleagues of different nationalities.
“They felt safe, happy and appreciated,” he said. “Even if the actions are small, the impact can be huge.”
And for anyone, anywhere, who thinks their idea is too small to matter, Maria leaves you with this:
“Be creative, take action and advocate for others. Don’t do it alone, do it as a team.”