227 young people in a training program, representing 68 countries, call for a commitment to the values of peace and dialogue

In light of the devastating conflicts the world is currently witnessing, particularly the ongoing war, which has cast a shadow over some of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (ICESCO) Member States, the 227 ICESCO Youth Ambassadors for Peace, representing 68 countries from within and outside the Islamic world, have issued a global call for peace, dialogue, and diplomacy.

The text of the statement reads as follows:

“In a world witnessing escalating crises, we, the ICESCO Youth Ambassadors for Peace, regardless of our different cultures, opinions, and perspectives on the world, reaffirm our call for peace, dialogue, and diplomacy. We are a generation of young men and women who have experienced conflicts and their consequences, from lost opportunities to destroyed futures. Conversely, we have seen the role of dialogue and cooperation in rebuilding societies and protecting the dignity of their members.

In this context, we acknowledge that peace is not an unattainable dream, but rather a shared responsibility to protect and sustain, especially since we, the youth, are not only witnesses to the consequences of conflicts and crises, but also the most affected by them and will inherit them in the future.

From this perspective, we renew our call for an immediate and collective commitment to the values of peace through constructive dialogue and diplomacy to find sustainable solutions based on respect for differences. We reject a future dominated by fear, division, and instability. Instead, we envision a world in which dialogue replaces confrontation, cooperation replaces hostility, inclusion replaces marginalization, and hope replaces fear.

Peace is not merely the absence of violence; it is the prevalence of justice, equality, equal opportunity, and dignity for all. In this regard, we renew our commitment to promoting dialogue and coexistence within our communities, countering hate speech in digital spaces, and serving as ICESCO Youth Ambassadors for Peace in our schools, universities, communities, and the digital sphere. We will build bridges and reduce division.

Now more than ever, we must uphold the values of compassion, respect, and unity inherent in all religions, particularly the true Islamic faith. As the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “Do not hate one another, do not shun one another, do not turn your backs on one another, and do not envy one another. Rather, be servants of God and brothers.” Therefore, we raise a single voice that transcends borders and politics—a voice that calls for calm in times of tension, understanding in times of division, and peace in times of conflict.”