In a world increasingly divided by conflict and misunderstanding, voices that advocate for peace and unity are more crucial than ever. Şadiye, a passionate Peace Ambassador from Cyprus, reflects on her journey of cultural connection and youth empowerment, driven by her desire to bridge communities on her divided island. Recently, she had the incredible opportunity to participate in the CSO-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding held at the United Nations in New York.
Şadiye expressed her gratitude for the nomination from Generation Nexus and UNDP, which ensured that voices from conflicted societies were represented in such critical global spaces.
Over two impactful days, civil society leaders, UN representatives, and policymakers collaborated to share experiences and co-create strategies to strengthen peacebuilding partnerships and policies around the globe. Şadiye’s involvement highlighted vital areas such as conflict prevention, youth participation, quality financing for peacebuilding, and the inclusion of women-led initiatives.
She shares her insights on the importance of youth activism, the challenges of navigating peace processes, and her unwavering belief in the power of imagination and hope.
What inspired you to become a Peace Ambassador, and why is this role significant to you personally?
Since the age of 14, I’ve felt a strong desire to connect cultures. Living on a divided island made me realize that we’re not fully embracing our culture. I have always sought to bridge connections between the communities in Cyprus. Over time, spending time in the buffer zone and taking advantage of opportunities available for Cypriot youth highlighted a burning need within me to build confidence in our community.
Through our shared activities, the concept of being a Peace Ambassador naturally evolved for me. I wouldn’t say I had a specific dream of this title, but my hands-on experiences allowed me to embody that role, especially on the international stage.
Why is this role significant to you personally?
It holds immense significance because Cypriot youth have rarely been actively involved in conflict resolution. I’ve felt frustrated by my inability to impact the ongoing conflict. Personally, it’s crucial to empower Cypriot youth, regardless of their community affiliation, by establishing a path that encourages them to believe in themselves and engage genuinely in the peace process. It’s a journey toward making a meaningful and impactful contribution.
Can you describe your experience during the Civil Society Organization-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding? What were some key takeaways for you?
Certainly! The dialogue between the UN and civil society organizations has recently become a priority for the UN. Previously, there was a lacking relationship, which resulted in untapped resources for communities. A key takeaway from this dialogue was the realization that the Cypriot community must learn how to effectively request resources from these bodies to grow.
Other regions with structured connections to the UN know how to engage and make requests efficiently; Cyprus, on the other hand, faces challenges of transparency and communication. My experiences have shown me that we lacked the knowledge to ask for help, but now, having interacted with these bodies, we can work toward creating that knowledge shared among ourselves.
What does a successful peacebuilding process look like to you, particularly in the context of the Cyprus conflict?
In Cyprus, the peacebuilding process needs to be redefined. Traditionally, we’ve relied on diplomatic negotiations supplemented by input from active civil society organizations. However, we require a framework that actively includes community segments, especially youth, from the outset. It’s essential to involve young people in conflict resolution and the design of a future Cyprus. I proposed developing an institutionalized framework for youth involvement at a national level during our discussions. Currently, the voices of Cypriot youth are sidelined, and without their input, we miss out on understanding the Cyprus they envision for tomorrow.
How do you see the role of peacebuilding at the UN evolving in the coming years?
The Youth Peace and Security agenda is becoming a critical cross-cutting element within UN interventions. As we approach the tenth anniversary of this agenda, I see a greater emphasis emerging due to the global unrest we witness today. The UN cannot shoulder the entire burden of peacebuilding; it’s essential to involve grassroots voices for effective engagement. There’s a noticeable shift toward recognizing community needs alongside political interests, facilitating a more comprehensive approach. This evolution allows the UN to view peacebuilding from a more holistic perspective.
You stated, “I firmly believe in the truth, never stop dreaming to the highest of your imagination.” Can you elaborate on this quote?
This quote resonates deeply with me. I penned it upon returning to Cyprus, wanting to encapsulate the profound experience I had abroad. After leaving Cyprus at 17 for studies in the UK, I immersed myself in cultures and philosophies, striving to understand the world better.
Upon arriving abroad, I felt a sense of belonging, but adapting came with structural challenges rather than personal ones. As I introduced myself— “Hi, I’m Şadiye from Cyprus”—I often faced curious questions that led me to delve into Cyprus’s history. I sought more opportunities and ended up in the Czech Republic to study post-Soviet transformations.
There, I discovered similarities between their challenges and those in Cyprus, learning that many regions navigate post-conflict trauma and define their futures based on their collective experiences. This realization shifted my understanding, allowing me to see possibilities for both personal and community development.
A subsequent cultural exchange in Japan further deepened my reflections. Living with a Japanese family highlighted their strong familial bonds amidst a demanding work culture, which, unfortunately, contributes to rising mental health issues, including high suicide rates. Witnessing the pressure they face made me contemplate our own cultural expectations and the mental health challenges in our community.
This journey has made me recognize the interconnectedness of our experiences. By embracing the vision to dream big, we nurture our inner voices and forge paths as peace ambassadors and activists for our communities.
Voice Cyprus News 2025
