Youth Peace Summit is a shared effort created by youth and for youth. It’s core team consists of more than 25 young people from many diverse backgrounds, living inside and outside of The Hague, The Netherlands. Together they work on a voluntary basis in support of peace in The Hague as much as on an international level.
Coordination
Participants management
Jonathan van Varik is the coordinator of Youth Peace Summit 2026. In daily life he is a youth- and peaceworker. Has a background in history and international relations. He has run project in The Netherlands, Georgia and Romania among other places.
Isabella Minderop is the Participants Coordinator of the Youth Peace Summit. She has a background in Sociology and works as a data scientist for the government. She has been a member of the volunteering organization Rotaract since 2018 and enjoys bringing people together and learning from each other.
Warsha Somai is a member of the participant registration and wellbeing team at the Youth Peace Summit. She is involved to ensure that everyone who is interested is well informed about the summit and feels calm, motivated, and inspired.
Warsha has a background in Human Resource Management and Public Sector Management and has been a member of Rotaract for over 10 years, including 4 years as a member of Rotaract Scheveningen.
Finance
Mentorship management
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Thomas is treasurer for this year’s edition of the Youth Peace Summit. He makes sure the financial aspects behind the scenes of the summit are taken care of so that the event can reach its full potential. In his day-to-day life, Thomas works as fund manager at the Dutch Gambling Authority.
As a mentor of mentors at the Youth Peace Summit, I guide young leaders in transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. With a background in human rights and environmental activism, I’ve worked across borders to support grassroots movements, international cooperation, and civic resilience. I believe in empowering emerging changemakers to lead with empathy, strategy, and a deep commitment to justice, because peace is something we build together.
Platform
Hello! I’m Adam, facilitator and mediator. I come from Northern Ireland. I work within communities, to help support social change. I believe through dialogue that we can come together to collaboratively explore the issues we face and move towards a future that benefits all.
Lou Maerssen has more than ten years of experience in Youth Politics. He is in the lead of the Charter Writing effort of Youth Peace Summit 2026.
My name is Anastasia, and I’m from Germany. I first joined the Youth Peace Summit in 2025 as a participant, an experience that inspired me to study International Communication Management at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Today, I am part of the Platform Group and the organizing team for the next Youth Peace Summit, motivated to connect people and contribute to positive change, step by step.
Programme
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Emma is a policy, peacebuilding and mediation professional. I am Swiss and German, and passionate about advancing gender equality, conflict resolution, and inclusive development globally. With experience in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, I have worked with community-based organisations to foster dialogue and assist them in strengthening their institutional partnerships. To me, the Youth Peace Summit represents what lies at the foundation of politics: actively listening to other people’s stories and understanding the commonalities we share.
My name is Alexandra. With a background in security, I am passionate about shifting the narrative from
managing threats to building peace. I believe true safety stems from active listening and
creating spaces where every voice is valued.
Hello, my name is Scarlett! I have recently graduated from a Master’s in Peacebuilding and Mediation, and I am really excited for the Youth Peace Summit this year. This Summit fosters open communication, and amplifies young voices on peacebuilding. Talking to each other and really listening is crucial to understanding each other and building a peaceful world, so I look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts and ideas.
PR and Comms
Alexandra Noroc – European Studies student in the final year, passionate about diplomacy, multilateralism and multiculturalism. I developed an interest in humanitarianism and peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities and the Youth Peace Summit is the place to start putting theory into action. Foreign language learner, fluent in five languages and five more still in progress. I believe in the beauty of life’s challenges and i share the responsibility to make peace a reality for all.
As a member of the communications team, I help to impart the aspirations of the Youth Peace Summit and amplify youth voices through social media and communication. My interests in humanitarian studies, peacekeeping, international development, and the role of civil society in shaping just and peaceful communities led me to join this community – while pursuing a career in the fields of international public policy, development & environmental sustainability.
Ali Yehie – I am part of the Media & Communications team for the Youth Peace Summit 2025. With a passion for youth engagement and storytelling, I help share the voices of young peacebuilders. I support social media, public relations, and creative content for this youth-led international event.
Celia is a member of our PR and Communications team. She is currently completing her legal studies while working with the research group Changing Role of Europe. She is dedicated to translating complex political challenges into accessible public discourse, demonstrating that meaningful impact and inspiration can come from individuals at all levels.
Mai is studying International Development at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), majoring Governance and Development Policy with passion to address sustainability and glocal challenges. My studies are supported by a scholarship from Rotary International, thanks to Rotary clubs in Japan and the Netherlands. Alongside my volunteer work, I have been a member of Rotaract Den Haag Scheveningen to make a positive impact.
Advisory team
Patrick Groenewegen – CEO Ithaka Academie and initiator
Annet Weijermars – Rotary and lead fundraiser
Gordon Graham – Rotary Metropolitan The Hague and project advisor