THE TEAM

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.

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.

Sharon joined the Youth Peace Summit in 2025 and now serves on the Platform Team, supporting coordination efforts. With a background in International Communication Management, she is committed to strengthening collaboration and advancing youth-led initiatives that foster dialogue and sustainable change.

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.

Mentorship Coordinator

I’m Ilya and 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.

Programme

Adam Linton – 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 – Platform 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.

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.

Youth Peace Summit

Mentorship Coordinator

Programme

Participants and Well-Being

Logistics

PR and Comms

Advisory team