Bremen’s Arab Community Hosts Peace Award Laureate Mahdi Yahya for Dialogue and Exchange
Bremen, Germany | 5 May 2026
On 5 May 2026, members of the Arab community in Bremen welcomed Mahdi Yahya, Founder and Chairman of Peace of Art International and recipient of the 2026 Bremen International Peace Award, for a special dialogue and exchange hosted at the premises of Leben in Nord (Life in the North).
The gathering brought together community members, activists, professionals, and representatives of the Arab diaspora in northern Bremen to engage in an open discussion on community development, integration, leadership, intercultural dialogue, and the role of civil society in addressing contemporary social challenges.
The invitation reflected the community’s interest in learning from Yahya’s international experience in peacebuilding, youth empowerment, community engagement, and cultural diplomacy. Drawing on more than a decade of work across Europe and the Middle East, Yahya shared insights from his journey as a peacebuilder and social entrepreneur, highlighting lessons learned through the initiatives and international partnerships developed by Peace of Art International.
During the event, Yahya presented the evolution of Peace of Art from a local grassroots initiative into an internationally recognized organization working to promote dialogue, social cohesion, youth leadership, and cultural exchange. He discussed projects implemented in Germany, Lebanon, and other countries, demonstrating how art, education, and community participation can serve as powerful tools for building understanding and fostering positive social change.
Bremen’s Arab Community Hosts Peace Award Laureate Mahdi Yahya for Dialogue and Exchange
Participants actively contributed to the discussion by sharing their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing Arab communities in Germany. Topics included integration, youth engagement, civic participation, identity, employment, education, and the importance of strengthening networks within the Arab diaspora while encouraging active contribution to German society.
The exchange evolved into a dynamic conversation where ideas, experiences, and visions for the future were shared openly. Community members presented their own initiatives and aspirations, while exploring opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and greater community impact.
Particular attention was given to the role of young people in shaping the future of multicultural societies. Yahya emphasized the importance of empowering youth to become active leaders, bridge-builders, and contributors to social cohesion through civic engagement, dialogue, and community service.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Bremen International Peace Award and the values it represents. Participants discussed the importance of recognizing individuals and organizations that contribute to peace, human rights, and intercultural understanding at both local and international levels.
For Mahdi Yahya, the event represented an important opportunity to engage directly with members of the Arab community in Bremen, listen to their experiences, and exchange ideas on how communities can work together to create more inclusive, resilient, and connected societies.
The evening concluded with a shared commitment to continue building bridges between communities, strengthening cooperation, and creating platforms for dialogue that empower individuals to contribute positively to society. The event demonstrated the value of bringing together diverse voices and experiences in pursuit of a common goal: a more peaceful, inclusive, and collaborative future.
