Re-grounding Peace: Mahdi Yahya Addresses the 3rd CSO-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding in Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland | 11 December 2025
On 11 December 2025, Mahdi Yahya, Founder and Chairman of Peace of Art International, participated in the 3rd CSO-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding at the United Nations in Geneva. The dialogue brought together representatives of civil society organizations, United Nations agencies, peacebuilding practitioners, policymakers, and international stakeholders to examine the growing challenges facing peace efforts worldwide and to explore more effective pathways toward sustainable and inclusive peace.
At a time marked by escalating conflicts, humanitarian crises, political polarization, and declining trust in international institutions, the dialogue focused on a central question: how can peacebuilding become more responsive to the realities experienced by communities on the ground?
During the discussions, Yahya emphasized that peace can only be meaningful and sustainable when it is rooted in justice, dignity, and inclusion. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond abstract concepts and political rhetoric toward practical approaches that address the everyday experiences of people affected by conflict, inequality, displacement, and social fragmentation.
Drawing on his experience leading Peace of Art International, Yahya stressed that lasting peace requires meaningful engagement between civil society organizations and decision-makers. He argued that local communities, youth leaders, educators, artists, and grassroots organizations possess valuable knowledge and perspectives that must be integrated into peacebuilding strategies and policy development.
A key theme of the dialogue was the growing need to rebuild trust between institutions and communities. Participants explored how civil society organizations can serve as bridges between policymakers and citizens by promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and supporting inclusive participation in peace processes. Discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring that peacebuilding efforts are informed by local realities rather than imposed through top-down approaches.
Throughout the event, Yahya advocated for strengthening resilience, protecting human dignity, and investing in cultural dialogue as essential pillars of sustainable peace. He emphasized that peacebuilding is not only about preventing conflict but also about creating environments where communities can thrive, participate, and contribute to shaping their own futures.
The dialogue further examined the role of culture, education, and civic engagement in addressing the root causes of violence and instability. Participants shared experiences from different regions of the world, identifying common challenges and exploring opportunities for collaboration between international institutions and civil society actors.
For Peace of Art International, participation in the CSO-UN Dialogue represented an opportunity to contribute to global discussions on peacebuilding while bringing grassroots perspectives into conversations that shape international policy. The organization’s engagement reflected its ongoing commitment to promoting dialogue, youth empowerment, social cohesion, and intercultural understanding as foundations for lasting peace.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment to consolidate the recommendations and discussions into a final report that will help inform future peacebuilding efforts and strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and civil society organizations. Participants agreed that addressing today’s complex challenges requires greater collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability across all sectors of society.
Despite the uncertainties facing the international community, the dialogue reaffirmed a shared belief that a more peaceful future remains possible when governments, institutions, and civil society choose to work together. Through honest engagement, practical action, and a commitment to human dignity, sustainable peace can move from aspiration to reality.
