The Hague, June 2026 – While many countries across Europe are increasingly investing in youth participation in peace and mostly security, the Netherlands risks losing its leading position in this field. In response to this challenge, 150 young people from 61 countries gathered in The Hague from 17 to 19 June for the second edition of the Youth Peace Summit 2026, a youth-led international event dedicated to dialogue, peacebuilding, and youth action.
Initiated and organized by Rotary and Rotaract and Ithaka Academie with the support of The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS), the summit brought together students, young leaders, civil society organizations, policymakers, and peace practitioners from around the world. Participants represented a wide range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to building more peaceful and inclusive societies.
This edition was based on the United Nations Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognizes the important role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Throughout the three-day programme, participants engaged in workshops, dialogue sessions, and collaborative activities focused on translating these international commitments into practical action.
The summit opened with keynote contributions from Hans Lodder, District Governor of Rotary District 1600, Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate to the United Nations, and Fiona Rea of the Corrymeela Community. Their messages emphasized the importance of youth leadership, dialogue, and international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges.
A central outcome of the summit was the development of the Youth Peace Charter, which is a tool and a guidance to implement the participation of youth regarding peace building. We are delighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to work with the Youth Peace Charter to implement youth participation regarding peace building effectively. We will make the full charter publicly available in the near future.
Another highlight was the Activity Market, where partner organizations showcased their work and connected participants with practical opportunities for engagement. Notably, many of these organizations were represented by young people themselves, demonstrating that youth are not only beneficiaries of peace initiatives but are actively leading them.
Reflecting on the summit, mentor Saba from Manchester captured the spirit of the event with the words:
“There are two fires within us: hope and justice.”
The closing ceremony featured contributions from Juriaan Middelhoff, Youth Ambassador at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Micha Baai, Mayor of Madurodam; Lars Westra, EU Youth Delegate to the United Nations; Peter Kievoet, Director of International Affairs at the Municipality of The Hague; Annet Weijermars, Assistant Governor of Rotary District 1600; and Jan Pronk, former Dutch minister, diplomat, and United Nations representative.
One symbolic highlight was the handover of the Youth Peace Tree to The Hague University of Applied Sciences, representing the growth of a lasting international community of young peacebuilders.
The organizers would like to thank the many organizations and individuals who made the summit possible, including the City of The Hague, Teenstra Foundation, Rotary Clubs and Rotary District 1600, private donors, hosting families, volunteers, and partner organizations from across Europe and beyond.
The summit may have ended, but its impact continues. The Youth Peace Charter is now entering its next phase, while the Youth Peace Summit network continues to connect young people and peace organizations across the world. What began as a three-day event is rapidly evolving into an international platform for youth-led peacebuilding, contributing to the growing visibility of youth participation in peace and security discussions at local, national, and international levels.
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