Mahdi Yahya Joins International Day of Democracy Activities at the European Parliament 2025
Brussels, Belgium | September 2018
In September 2018, Mahdi Yahya, Founder and Chairman of Peace of Art International, participated in the International Day of Democracy celebrations held at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, civil society leaders, democracy advocates, youth representatives, and international organizations to discuss the future of democratic participation, human rights, civic engagement, and peacebuilding.
Representing Peace of Art International and the voices of many young people working for positive change in Lebanon and the wider region, Yahya joined participants from across Europe and the Mediterranean in a series of discussions focused on strengthening democratic values and promoting active citizenship.
The event provided a unique opportunity to engage directly with Members of the European Parliament, policymakers, government representatives, and leaders of international organizations. Throughout the day, Yahya participated in exchanges on the challenges facing democratic societies, the role of youth in decision-making processes, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces that encourage civic participation and dialogue.
As part of his participation, Yahya introduced the work of Peace of Art International and shared insights into the organization’s efforts to promote peacebuilding, youth empowerment, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion through art, education, and community engagement. Discussions focused on the importance of empowering young people to become active contributors to society and strengthening cooperation between civil society organizations across borders.
The event also served as an important platform for networking and building relationships with policymakers, democracy advocates, and representatives of European institutions. These exchanges created opportunities to discuss potential areas of collaboration and to highlight the experiences of youth-led initiatives working to promote peace, tolerance, and democratic participation in the Middle East.
A central message that emerged from the discussions was the need to move beyond rhetoric and ensure that democratic values are translated into practical opportunities for citizens, particularly young people. Participants emphasized that democracy becomes meaningful when individuals are empowered to participate, contribute, and shape the future of their communities.
For Mahdi Yahya, participation in the European Parliament’s International Day of Democracy celebration represented an important milestone in his international engagement and advocacy work. It reflected the growing recognition of Peace of Art International as a civil society initiative committed to promoting peace, dialogue, and human rights through creative and community-based approaches.
The experience reinforced the belief that meaningful change is achieved through cooperation, dialogue, and active participation. By engaging with decision-makers and civil society leaders from different countries and backgrounds, Yahya contributed to broader conversations on democracy, inclusion, and sustainable peace while strengthening international connections that continue to support the mission of Peace of Art International.
Today, this participation remains a significant moment in Mahdi Yahya’s journey as a peacebuilder and advocate for youth engagement, demonstrating the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing democratic values worldwide.
