It's everywhere, and for good reason: artificial intelligence is now part of our lives. It helps us organize our days better, make more accurate medical diagnoses, ease traffic in our cities, and even compose music or create works of art. In just a few years, the evolution of AI available to the public has been exponential. But behind these fascinating advances, some essential questions arise: what is its real impact on our planet? What concerns does it raise? And above all, how far can it really go?

The promises of AI

The opportunities are numerous. In the field of healthcare, for example, AI makes it possible to detect certain diseases earlier and with greater accuracy. Algorithms are capable of analyzing millions of medical images in a matter of seconds, providing doctors with valuable assistance in refining their diagnoses.
In transportation and logistics, it optimizes routes, reduces traffic jams, and saves fuel. In industry, it boosts productivity while limiting errors. And in everyday life, whether through voice assistants or translation tools, it facilitates access to information and simplifies communication.
AI could even become a powerful ally in the fight against climate change: some systems help predict natural disasters, optimize our energy consumption, and manage resources more intelligently. When used properly, a multitude of tasks could be performed more quickly and accurately.

But all this comes at a price...

Because AI is not without its impact on the environment. Algorithms, especially the most complex ones, rely on huge data centers that consume enormous amounts of electricity, contributing to CO₂ emissions. Did you know that a single sophisticated query to an AI model can have a carbon footprint equivalent to several hundred kilometers by car? Take ChatGPT, for example, which receives 2.5 billion queries per day, representing 106 tons of CO₂. That's 38,800 tons per year. In a few years, the artificial intelligence sector could become one of the most dangerous for the climate.
To limit these effects, researchers are working on “greener” AI: lighter models, servers powered by renewable energy, and optimization of data center consumption.

Persistent fears

AI also raises very real concerns. Many fear that it will gradually replace humans in the workplace, exacerbate inequalities, or make biased decisions. Indeed, there is a risk that AI will cause certain jobs to disappear, but it will also create new ones. Facial recognition and mass surveillance systems raise questions about our right to privacy and individual freedoms.
And then there is the famous idea of “general AI”—intelligence capable of learning and reasoning like a human being. Although it does not yet exist, it is already fueling heated debates: will we be able to control it? What rights or responsibilities should we grant it?

So how far can it go?

Today, AI remains primarily “specialized”: it excels at specific tasks, whether it's playing chess, recommending a movie, or assisting with medical diagnoses. Most experts agree that general AI, capable of understanding the world as we do, is not coming anytime soon.
However, even in its current form, it is already pushing certain boundaries. It generates text, images, and music autonomously, helps anticipate economic and climate crises, and helps solve problems that are too complex for the human mind alone. Ultimately, the real challenge will be learning how to use these capabilities responsibly, so that AI remains a tool that serves humanity, rather than a threat.

In conclusion...

Artificial intelligence is a powerful force, capable of improving our health, education, environment, and daily lives. But it comes at an ecological cost, raises ethical questions, and legitimately frightens some people. Understanding its limitations and regulating its development will therefore be essential to ensure that it serves the interests of all, today and tomorrow.

                                                                                                  Ilyas Chastagnol
​

Ilyas is a French volounteer involved in the international day of future

Going to work may seem like an ordinary action. Joining one’s family feels natural. Going to school should be taken for granted. Seeing a doctor should not pose major difficulties. Yet for many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, these simple acts become a journey filled with obstacles. Checkpoints appear everywhere. Unexpected controls complicate everything. Uncertainty constantly hangs over every trip. These limitations go far beyond practical concerns. They profoundly shape people’s lives. They influence their most personal hopes. They restrict their visions of the future.
Living in constant anticipation creates a palpable tension. Every closed barrier evokes a diffuse threat. Every blocked road heightens anxiety. Many people leave their homes hours earlier for a trip that should take only minutes. Nothing guarantees that they will reach their destination. The unexpected always prevails.
Samir, a 32-year-old resident of Hebron, describes this reality. He says he never knows whether he will arrive at work on time. Sometimes, he even wonders whether he will be able to pass through at all. His words reflect an experience shared by so many others.
Uncertainty permeates all aspects of daily life. Workers lose entire days because of delays. Students miss essential lessons for their education. Families endure separations lasting months due to the lack of appropriate permits. Journeys become sources of deep anxiety. Each inspection risks causing a frustrating delay. It can also lead to public humiliation. Or worse, a complete denial of passage.
The effects of these constraints directly affect physical health. They limit access to essential medical care. They hinder educational opportunities for young people.
Women give birth by the roadside because they cannot reach a hospital in time. Patients with chronic illnesses abandon vital treatments because their appointments repeatedly become unreachable. Learners, meanwhile, spend more time bypassing roadblocks than studying.
Nour, a 19-year-old law student, shares her experience. She missed her final exam because a checkpoint closed for no clear reason. Such incidents are common.
Fatigue gradually sets in for thousands of individuals. Stress erodes their daily well-being. Frustration marks their interactions. These barriers do more than block individual paths. They hinder the broader economic development of an entire society. They slow its social progress in notable ways.
Researchers in psychology highlight long-lasting impacts. Sociologists observe similar patterns. Living under prolonged movement restrictions significantly increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression gains ground more easily. Anxiety becomes constant.
Children are particularly affected. They perceive the world through a lens of fear. A sense of powerlessness shapes their early experiences. Mistrust of authorities takes root within them.
These wounds do not fade with time. They persist beyond immediate circumstances. They alter adults’ self-esteem. They limit the ability to envision a peaceful future. They weaken even strong family bonds.
Over the years, many people become accustomed to this reality. They adjust their routines to the unpredictable. They plan according to permanent constraints.
Maha, a mother from Nablus, explains this adaptation. She says weddings are organized around checkpoints. Schooling follows the same imposed rhythm. Medical care is arranged according to these realities. People learn not to aim too far ahead in their plans.
Understanding this situation does not require taking a political position. It simply requires listening to the daily experiences of millions of individuals. Their voices reveal a complex and persistent reality.
International organizations provide precise data. They highlight the scale of the problem.
In the West Bank, hundreds of checkpoints operate without interruption. Control posts dot the territory. Roadblocks obstruct major routes. All of these elements restrict basic movement.
In Gaza, a blockade isolates more than two million residents. Entry and exit are severely controlled. Opportunities for travel outside the region become rare.
A typical West Bank resident spends dozens of hours each month waiting. These long queues drain people’s energy unnecessarily.
Access to education suffers from these obstacles. Employment becomes more difficult to obtain and maintain. Healthcare reaches fewer and fewer people.
Delays at checkpoints are among the region’s main sources of tension. They fuel a cycle of collective frustration.
These statistics are not abstract. They represent lives slowed by circumstances. They show blocked potential. They illustrate heightened vulnerabilities.
Restoring this freedom of movement for Palestinians would open new horizons. It would allow young people to study without obstacles. It would make work more accessible for adults. It would ensure medical care for those who need it. It would make dreams more tangible for everyone.
Every barrier lifted eases a human burden. It allows a life to breathe more freely. It opens the way to a less constrained future

                                                                                                  Ilyas Chastagnol

Ilyas is a French volounteer involved in the international day of solidarity with the Palestinian people

April 1st 2024, Athenes, the 28 years old woman Kyriaki Griva, gets
murdered. The culprits: her boyfriend but also the 4 police officers who did nothing to
protect her when she asked them to. As a matter of fact, a few minutes before her
death, the young woman was in the police station, in front of which she was killed,
begging for help. But when she asked for a car to bring her home safely, the only
answer she got was “police patrols are not taxis”. So she got out of this place which
offered her nothing but even more fear, hoping to get home quickly. But the reality
was quite different: when she came out, her boyfriend was waiting for her, ready to
jump on her with a knife. He stabbed her five times in the back, there, in front of this
police station where no one’s lifted a finger. Thus, we may wonder how we are
supposed to feel secure as women, in a world where even those supposed to protect
us won’t ?
In 2023, around 51 100 women and girls worldwide were killed by their
intimate partners or other family members. However, there may be many more as
not every country accepts to list the number of femicides that have occurred within
its borders. Thus, we will never be able to know the exact number of victims
worldwide. Besides, in addition to these feminicides are also all the “secret”
violences against women: rapes which are too often not recognised, physical and
sexual violence but also gender inequalities that we face every day without even
noticing it. In 2023, in Greece only, a woman working the same job as a man gained
13,6% less than him for the entire year. But the same year, the higher gap in Europe
was registered in Latvia, where women gained 19% less than men.
Gender equality has been a Human Right since December 1948 when the
UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in which
it is written: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. However, it
is clear from the previous data that this right is far from being granted. And this is what
spurred women’s rights activists of 1981 to unofficially create the National Day for
Elimination of Violence against Women. They thus chose the 25 of November to
honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who
were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo. And it
eventually became an official day in 2000 when it was adopted by the General
Assembly.
Thus, things change slowly. Time seems to be a necessity for the world to
evolve. Yet there is even more crucial than time: it is union. Activists came together
and took action against violence targeting women by dedicating a day to this fight,

and the day was eventually recognized by the General Assembly. Let’s gather again
this year and try to make a change, even the smallest one.

                                                                                                  Blanche Legoubé

Blanche is a french volounteer involved in the international day for the elimination of violence against Women

The capitalization of gender-based violence

One of the greatest misconceptions in how society treats structural and systemic issues
is the perception of prostitution. The 25th of November 2025 marks the International
Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On this day, we recognize forms
of violence such as domestic abuse, human trafficking, and the suffering of women in
humanitarian crises. Yet, it remains largely unacknowledged that for many women in
prostitution—across Europe and the world—these very forms of violence are not
exceptions but their daily reality.

The supposed distinction between sex slavery and “sex work” lies in the idea of
choice: one person is forced, the other supposedly acts freely. But is this “choice”
anything more than an illusion? Where does force begin—and can we, as a society,
continue to look away from the violence, abuse, and trauma that define prostitution for
so many women?

Although there is no official international legal definition, prostitution can be
described as the purchase of sexual services or interactions in exchange for money or
other benefits. While men and boys can also be affected, around 80% of all people in
prostitution are women and girls, whereas the buyers are overwhelmingly men.
Violence against women in prostitution has been documented throughout history and
occurs wherever sex is sold.

Certain factors increase vulnerability: economic instability, social marginalization,
gender inequality, and humanitarian crises. Prostitution takes many forms—from
streets and brothels to digital platforms—but in all of them, women face the same
systemic risks. The lack of legal protection, combined with stigma and discrimination,
leaves them exposed to every kind of violence.

Violence in the sex industry manifests physically, psychologically, and sexually.
Clients often push boundaries, inflict harm, or seek pleasure in domination. For many women who are coerced or trafficked, third parties—pimps or traffickers—are the
main source of violence. The physical abuse intertwines with deep psychological
scars. Many women in prostitution have already endured childhood abuse, and the
repeated violations they experience lead to long-term trauma, with high rates of
PTSD, depression, and anxiety—conditions made worse by limited access to mental
health care.

Despite its inherently exploitative nature, prostitution remains legal in 10 European
countries, with Germany and the Netherlands maintaining some of the most
permissive laws. The use of terms such as “sex work” or “sex industry” represents a
deliberate attempt to sanitize and normalize this exploitation. It reflects a capitalist
logic that commodifies the female body, framing sexual abuse as labor and oppression
as empowerment.

Liberal narratives often portray prostitution as a form of women’s liberation—an act
of self-determination. But this image of the “happy and self-managed sex worker”
may exist for a small number of privileged women, but it belittles the truth of the over
9 million victims globally. Prostitution does not exist in isolation; it mirrors the
inequalities, blind spots, and hierarchies of the society that tolerates it.

A significant number of women enter or remain in sex work not out of genuine free
will, but because of limited financial opportunities, poverty, or a history of abuse that
shapes their sense of agency. Economic instability, lack of access to education or
employment, and coercive circumstances can make prostitution seem like the only
viable means of survival. Additionally, experiences of trauma—such as childhood
neglect, sexual violence, or exploitation—can erode autonomy and reinforce cycles of
vulnerability. The average age of entry into prostitution worldwide is between 12 and
14 years old, and law enforcement agencies often lack the training to handle cases of
violence against prostituted women and girls, leading to systemic under-protection
and chronic under-reporting.

Northern European countries, particularly Sweden, have pioneered the Nordic Model,
a legal framework that criminalizes the purchase of sexual services while
decriminalizing the act of selling them. Advocates argue that this system addresses the
demand side of prostitution, aiming to reduce exploitation and human trafficking, and
feminist and human rights activists have widely promoted it as a progressive strategy.

If violence against women is to be truly eliminated, then the reality of prostitution
must no longer be excluded from the conversation. It is a form of gender-based
violence—and one that society has normalized for far too long. Addressing it requires
not only legal reform but also a cultural shift that challenges the social and economic
structures enabling exploitation. Only by confronting the harsh, often denied truth and
by supporting those affected can society move toward genuine equality and safety for
all women.

                                                                                                   Stefanie Geller

Stefanie is a German volounteer involved in the international day for the elimination of violence  against women 

Every day, millions of children dread school, not for homework, but for looks,
mockery, blows. According to UNESCO, nearly one in three children worldwide has already
been a victim of school bullying. An alarming figure that reveals a situation that sometimes
seems complex to understand and whose magnitude only increases over time and with new
technologies.
Every first Thursday of November, UNESCO invites the world to mark the
International Day against Violence and Bullying in Schools, including cyber-bullying, as a
reminder that schools must be safe places for all. Bullying, in all its forms, as time passes,
destroys the confidence, esteem, and even the joy of living for generations. In view of this
reality, it becomes urgent to understand how to act together in the face of this scourge.
In order to act effectively, it is essential, first of all, to understand what bullying is; for this,
one must know how to recognize its forms, even the most discreet ones. There are several
forms, the most well-known ones being physical violence (violence, intimidation) and verbal
violence (insults, humiliations, mockery), but there are also social violence such as rejection,
exclusion or the spread of rumors. But today with the rapid progress of digital technology
and artificial intelligence, new generations are increasingly exposed to the risks of digital
violence, the new form of violence that raises the most questions.
With the omnipresence of social networks and technology, the gap between school life and
private life is closing and leaves no rest for the victims, transforming bullying into a
continuous phenomenon that intrudes into the daily lives of young people. It is generally on
social networks that he tends to be most present, they can be publications on a public
platform or private exchanges.
The three main problems behind this type of violence are the illusion of anonymity, rapid
spread and the absence of limits in time and space. Behind a screen, some forget that their
words can hurt, and that there is a person behind who reads and rereads these words. In a
few seconds, a text, a message, a photo, can be broadcast to an entire class, even a school
or more, the harassment no longer stops at the exit of the school, it continues until the room,
every hour of the day and night. As with harassment, cyberbullying has consequences and
can leave sequelae: anxiety, isolation, depression, absenteeism at school, loss of
self-confidence. Today, cyberbullying affects about one in ten children, children are more
likely to be victims of it because they are young, therefore more naive, and this violence
escapes the vigilance of parents.
Understanding harassment is a first step. But to eliminate this scourge, we must know how
to react to it, whether we are victims, witnesses, parents or teachers, we all have a role to
play. For the victims, the things they can do in the first place is to talk about it with an adult or
at least a trusted person, because it can sometimes be complicated for a child to discuss it
with their parents. Do not respond to violence, but keep the evidence, if one has it. And

above all remember that the fault is not theirs, that they are not the culprits of history. For the
witnesses, it is important not to remain silent in the face of what they can see, it must be
reported, the witnesses can also support the victim whether morally, socially...
And above all, refuse to participate in or share (on the Internet) this violence. The other
people who can react to this violence are schools and parents, by creating for example a
climate of dialogue, kindness and listening. They can also set up prevention and monitoring
mechanisms for victims.
The fight against school bullying is fully in line with several Sustainable Development Goals.
SDG 3 aims to ensure health and well-being, directly threatened by the anxiety, depression
or isolation experienced by victims. SDG 4 on quality education cannot be achieved as long
as students feel unsafe in their school environment. SDG 10, which focuses on reducing
inequalities, recalls the urgency to act to protect the most vulnerable or marginalized
students. Finally, SDG 16, promoting peace, justice and effective institutions, highlights the
importance of creating safe, inclusive schools capable of preventing all forms of violence.
Understanding and combating bullying in schools is therefore contributing to a fairer,
healthier and more humane future for all.
It is in this same dynamic that our campaign fits: raise awareness, inform and above all give
young people, parents and teachers the tools to act. Through messages, resources and
communication, this campaign aims to break the silence, encourage solidarity and promote a
climate of trust within schools.
Bullying is a scourge that emanates from silence, indifference or a lack of listening, but it
can be fought with words, kindness and solidarity. We all have a role to play in making every
child feel safe and happy at school.

                                                                                               Morgane hautière

Morgane is a french volounteer involved in the international ​​Day Against Violence and Bullying at School

​School should be a place for learning, exchange, and personal growth. But for too many children, it
becomes a space of anxiety and exclusion. Bullying at school—too often minimized or ignored—deeply
and lastingly marks the young people who suffer from it, far beyond the playground.

Living in Fear
Behind every mockery, every exclusion, lies very real pain. Bullied children live in constant
apprehension, dreading the sound of the recess bell as much as the notifications on their phone.
“I had a stomachache every morning before going to class,” confides Inès, 10 years old. “They
kept saying I was different, that I didn’t deserve to be here.”

​For some young people, this ongoing anxiety manifests as sleep disorders, loss of appetite, sudden
silence, or an outright refusal to go to school. The consequences are not only psychological—they also
affect their physical health, memory, and ability to learn.

Scars That Remain
Experts in school psychiatry observe that children who are victims of bullying are two to three times more
likely to develop depression or anxiety disorders during adolescence. These difficulties can follow them
into adulthood, permanently affecting their self-confidence and ability to fit in socially.

Teachers, often powerless in the face of these situations, also notice a rapid drop in academic
performance: grades fall, motivation fades. In the most serious cases, some students even consider
dropping out or changing schools.

The Weight of Silence
Nearly 60% of bullied children remain silent. Shame, fear of retaliation, or feelings of guilt prevent them
from speaking up. For parents, understanding what is truly happening often requires time and special
attention.

“My son had lost his appetite. He said he had no friends because he felt worthless,” says
Sophie, the mother of a fifth-grade student.

Understanding Those Who Bully
Children who bully are not necessarily “bad.” Many express, through these violent behaviors, a deep
distress or a desperate need for recognition.

“I made fun of others so people would notice me,” admits Rayan, 13 years old.

Studies show that these young people are themselves at greater risk of academic failure and violent
behavior in adulthood. Preventing bullying therefore also requires working on empathy, emotional
education, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Some Shocking Numbers
Data from UNESCO and the French Ministry of Education paint an alarming picture:
One in three students worldwide has already experienced violence at school
In France, about 700,000 children face some form of bullying each year
35% of 11–14-year-olds report being bullied online
Bullied students score 20% lower than the national average and are twice as likely to suffer from
anxiety disorders
One in five considers leaving their school
These statistics reveal a harsh reality: bullying is not a simple rite of passage of childhood, but a deep
violation of young people’s dignity and development.
Learning to Live Together Again 
UNESCO advocates for education based on the values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. The
International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School reminds us that every word, every gesture can
hur or heal.
Making school a safe environment is not a mere option: it is a fundamental right for every child.

                                                                                                  Ilyas Chastagnol

​
Ilyas is a french volounteer involved in the international ​​Day Against Violence and Bullying at School

The complex relationship between organisms and their environment
Many scientists believe that exclusively human activities have triggered the sixth mass
extinction or being on the brink of it. Widespread degradation of biodiversity has intensified
the crisis.

Ecology is the study of; the complex relationship between organisms and each other, and
their non-living environment. Fun fact: the Greek words “Oikos” (home) and “Logos”(habitat)
are the roots of the English word “ecology”.

About biodiversity - what it is and why it’s so important for human existence
Biodiversity is the variety of species living on earth from plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and
others - centuries old trees to single cell organisms. Many animals are threatened by
extinction due to human activity and many species are yet to be discovered.
​
Biodiversity loss means loss of life on earth on various levels, from reduction of genetic
diversity to the collapse of entire ecosystems. Biodiversity loss can be natural as extinction is
a part of life as some species die out when others evolve. But in the last hundred years,
since the industrial revolution, biodiversity has decreased dramatically and scientists have
estimated that species are dying out at hundreds of times the natural rate due to human
interference.

You have to remember that all species are interconnected. Biodiversity underprints
ecosystem services, providing a backbone to the global economy. A healthy ecosystem
provides critical services such as clean air and food security as well as regulates diseases
and helps stabilise the climate. If an ecosystem suffers or changes too much it starts to
deprive humans as well as every other species of crucial services like clean air and
pollination. It can also affect livelihoods, income, local migration and can cause or increase
political conflicts.

Globally over one million monitored species are at a risk of extinction. 75 percent of land
ecosystems and two thirds marine environments have been significantly altered by human
activity. Healthy ecosystems provide 75% of global freshwater resources with wetlands
playing a key role in water purification. It is alarming that since 1970, 35% of wetlands have
been lost and because of that over 2 billion people have suffered from 
​  reduced water availability
.
main dangers for biodiversity
Deforestation for agricultural and urban development is a big threat to biodiversity. Ever
expanding industries are supported by ever growing human consumption. For example 80%
of deforestation in Amazon countries was due to cattle ranching. This large scale
deforestation is destroying habitats for countless species further speeding up the rate of
biodiversity loss - forests are home to over 80% of all terrestrial animals, plants and insects
of the planet. Other major threats are pollution, overfishing and overhunting. As humans fish
at a faster pace than fish can reproduce, animal poaching and exotic pet trading markets are
thriving, the affected species are driven to the brink of extinction.

Climate change is becoming more and more of a problem and threat. Right now the climate
is changing faster than species can adapt to. Rising temperatures and sea levels force
species out of their natural habitats and migrate elsewhere to environments they are not
suited for. Species are harmed by non-native species as they typically don't have natural
predators. This leads the non-native species to destroy native species.
​
Out of all species in Europe, good conditions only characterize 52% of birds, 16% of most
important natural habitats and 23% of protected species. Greece is rich in biodiversity with
over 6000 plant specieses, 25% of European flora and one of the highest levels of
biodiversity in the Mediterranean. Out of these 21.5%, around 11 500 species, of animals,
plants and fungal species assessed are under threat.
​
The increasing rate of biodiversity loss has to be tackled. Governments, NGOs and the
scientific communities have to work together to decrease the effects of human activity on
biodiversity and the nature that we call home.

                                                                                                           Havu Ehanti

Havu is a Finnish volunteer involved in the international  Ecoology day 

 The vast majority of wildfires are caused by us humans, 84% of them to be exact. Some of them are started intentionally, most of them by accident, but individuals are not the biggest problem here. The true danger lies in the potential,  meaning the conditions that determine how easily a fire can break out, then spread out and how long it can keep on burning. 
This potential is partly natural but we play a part in it as well, which means even though nature will have its way, we humans have a big responsibility to reduce the risk and potential of wildfires. 

Over the decades the occasional drama of a wildfire in Greece has transformed into a yearly expected catastrophe. The people are looking for someone or something to blame. 
While the media might give fault to a single person like an arsonist or a politician and the politicians blame it on climate change, we have to keep in mind that blaming one part without looking at the whole picture won’t solve anything.
This certainly does not mean that people shouldn’t be held accountable.

The government is responsible for not taking the necessary steps to make change happen. The workforce of firefighters is increasing and the means to fight active wildfires are getting better each year. While suppression of fires is an important part, it will never solve the problem, only decrease the inevitable consequences.
The consequences of a lacking wildfire prevention, where forests would be managed and the risk of spreading reduced, are tens of thousands of hectares each year being burned down and people losing their lives. There also needs to be more research and data about wildfires, only a fraction of them get investigated and without understanding how they break out, spread out etc. we can’t know how to deal with them either.

But the government can only decide on policies and funding, we have to take responsibility as well. We all know that climate change plays a part in wildfires and so environmentalism is important to reduce the rising of temperatures. Our biggest responsibility is being aware of the risks that can lead to a fire and help it spread, for example cigarettes or bonfires should be taken very seriously. Landowners should be aware of flammable materials and take steps to reduce the risk of fueling a fire. We also need to spread awareness about all aspects of wildfires and dismiss rumors and conspiracies. A common belief is that wildfires are started on purpose to clear land and make construction of wind turbines possible, but a study showed that not even 1% of wind turbines are built on reforestable areas. They are also helping to produce sustainable energy, which helps with the fight against climate change.
​
Putting the focus on who is to blame and who is at fault in this urgent problem won’t solve anything. We are fighting against each other, when we are supposed to work together to make a change. Everybody needs to take responsibility and only if we all play our part, will we be able to make the future a better place.

​                                                                                                    Christian Weber

​Christian is a German volunteer involved in the international Ecology day

“Global progress begins in communities. When youth lead, societies thrive.”António Guterres Secretary-General of the United Nations, International Youth Day 2025.  
In light of current challenges and issues, it is essential to empower younger generations by ensuring that young people are involved in decision-making processes. Giving them the tools to express themselves, take action, and participate in decisions that shape their future is essential for building fairer, more innovative, and more resilient societies.

International Youth Day 

International Youth Day, celebrated annually on 12 August, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 following a recommendation from the 1998 World Conference of Youth Ministers in Lisbon.  
International Youth Day aims to spotlight the engagement and empowerment of young people, highlighting their vital role in civil society as they help "build more inclusive communities, promote peace, and advocate for a fairer, greener, and more just future".

More precisely, we can highlight 3 main aims of the International Youth Day : 

• Raise awareness of youth issues (education, employment, mental health, social inclusion).

• Encourage governments and organisations to invest in the development of young people.
• Celebrate the contributions of young people in building a more just, sustainable and inclusive future. 

Also, for this year the 2025 theme of International Youth Day is very linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond. 
In this regard, the main objective of this campaign is to raise public awareness of young people's commitment to a more sustainable society through local actions directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.

International Youth Day 2025 : Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond. 

International Youth Day 2025 highlights the empowerment of young people across areas linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. Youth engagement is vital to achieving the 2030 Agenda, they are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of sustainable development.

“The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives of all people everywhere, while opening up future opportunities. There are 17 goals in total, adopted in 2015 by all Member States of the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a 15-year plan aimed at achieving these goals.” United Nations 

For the 2025 edition of International Youth Day, the United Nations has set several key objectives, including:

• Highlighting local youth actions that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing that global change begins at the community level.
• Recognizing young people as drivers of sustainable development, celebrating their roles as innovators, community leaders, and essential partners.
• Promoting youth empowerment in areas such as peacebuilding, social inclusion, climate justice, education, and employment.
• Reaffirming commitments to the World Programme of Action for Youth, which marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, by encouraging youth participation in governance and public policy.
• Encouraging youth-led solutions, acknowledging their creativity, initiative, and capacity to build more just and sustainable societies.

Youth-led local initiatives to realise the SDGs

To support the Sustainable Development Goals, local initiatives are being led by younger generations. Among these projects, here are several examples: 

• “Green School” Project in Senegal : SDG 4 Quality Education ; SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy ; SDG 13 Climate action 

High school students transformed their school into an ecological model by creating an organic vegetable garden for the cafeteria, installing solar panels, and raising awareness among their peers about plastic waste.

• The “Young Ambassadors for Hygiene” initiative in Haiti : SDG 3 Good Health and well-being ; SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation 

Young people launched a campaign in underprivileged neighborhoods that included organizing workshops on hand hygiene and disease prevention, distributing sanitation kits, and creating educational videos in Creole. 

• The “Youthwise project” by the OECD : SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities ; SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions 

A youth advisory council made up of young people from different countries is proposing local solutions, including mentorship for disadvantaged students, digital inclusion projects, and policy recommendations to promote equal opportunities.

• The “Recycl’Art” initiative in France : SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production 

Young people from a disadvantaged neighborhood launched an art workshop that includes creating artworks from recycled waste, organizing local exhibitions to raise awareness about pollution, and hosting intergenerational workshops. 

Empowering Young People to Lead Change

To conclude, young people play a central role in building a more sustainable and responsible future, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. It is therefore essential to promote their inclusion in decision-making processes. How can we envision a sustainable future without involving young people, the very ones who will be most affected by it?

Also, through their local commitments and innovative ideas, young people are real assets to communities and civil society! Much more than simple agents of change, young people are pillars of change: they bring dynamism, commitment and innovation to the heart of community life.

As António Guterres (Secretary-General of the United Nations) said on the occasion of International Youth Day 2025: “Drivers of sustainable development, young people build more inclusive communities, work toward peace, and demand a fairer, greener, and more just future.”

Empowering young people means investing every day in a bolder and fairer future!
​On International Youth Day and beyond, let’s celebrate the power of youth to change the world ! 

Nelson Mandela:  a symbol of the fight against the criminal Apartheid regime and system in South Africa.    

Nelson Mandela is an iconic figure in the fight against the criminal system and regime of Apartheid in South Africa.
The International Convention on the Suppression & Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid approved by the UN General Assembly in 1973 “declare that apartheid is a crime against humanity and that inhuman acts resulting from the policies and practices of apartheid and similar policies and practices of racial segregation and discrimination, as defined in article II of the Convention, are crimes violating the principles of international law, in particular the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and constituting a serious threat to international peace and security.” Apartheid is also considered a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, adopted in Rome in July 1998 and entered into force on July 1, 2002.

From the 1940s, Nelson Mandela became aware of the systemic injustices affecting black populations in South Africa. In 1944, Mandela joined the ANC and co-founded its Youth League in 1944 to fight racial injustice. Nelson Mandela began to gain recognition among the South African population in the 1950s, especially in 1952 when he launched the Defiance Campaign against apartheid laws with the ANC. Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island in 1964. In prison he conducted negotiations with the South African government which led to his liberation after 27 years as well as the end of Apartheid in 1991.

Nelson Mandela: an inspiration for various human rights movements. 

Nelson Mandela, by his commitment against the criminal regime of Apartheid, had inspired many liberation and human rights movements around the world.  His struggle has strengthened international standards for racial equality and civil rights, and contributed significantly to the adoption of various UN conventions and declarations.

Adopted in 1965, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination explicitly condemns apartheid policies as an extreme form of racial discrimination. Despite being imprisoned, Nelson Mandela's resistance helped alert the world to the urgency of ending institutionalized racism. By being an universal symbol of resistance, Mandela contributed to reinforce the legal and moral impact of this convention for states and organizations engaged in the fight against racism.

Liberation movements in Africa located in Zimbabwe, Namibia or Mozambique were inspired by Nelson Mandela as a model of leadership and perseverance in the fight against colonization and oppressive regimes. 

In the United States of America, the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 fights against systemic racism, in a dynamic that echoes the struggles of Nelson Mandela. Inspired by its non-violent commitment to oppression, Black Lives Matter embodies the same values of peaceful resistance and dignity.

Nelson Mandela: a strategy of mediation and reconciliation that shapes the resolution of conflicts and wars on an international scale.

Nelson Mandela worked for reconciliation between the white and black communities by advocating forgiveness and through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Nelson Mandela became a universal symbol of conflict resolution through dialogue and reconciliation. His strong commitment to national unity in South Africa positively influenced global approaches to resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogue.

Indeed, Nelson Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1995 as part of the democratic transition aimed at ending  Apartheid. This reconciliation-based model has inspired and been adopted by several countries. More than 30 countries had put in place Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs), inspired by the South African model worn by Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Among these countries we can mention  : 

• Morocco: Equity and Reconciliation Commission (2004), to address human rights violations under Hassan II.
• Sierra Leone: After the civil war, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established alongside a special tribunal (July 2002).
• ​Australia: Local commissions were created to address injustices towards Indigenous peoples (2021).

Nelson Mandela is also a symbol of conflict resolution through mediation. He played a major role in resolving wars and conflicts thanks to his approach centered on mediation and dialogue. In conflict resolution, Nelson Mandela favored an approach centered on inclusive strategy and lasting peace. He believed that a durable peace was better than perfect justice, and emphasized inclusivity as he felt that all voices should be heard in order to build a truly democratic society.

Nelson Mandela's mediation strategies deeply influenced the resolution of numerous conflicts, wars both during his lifetime and after his passing. To illustrate this, we can refer to various conflicts, wars, and their resolutions : 

• The Burundian Civil War: Nelson Mandela played a crucial role in resolving the conflict in Burundi in the late 1990s and early 2000s, serving as the chief mediator of the Inter-Burundian peace process. He facilitated the signing of the Arusha Accord for Peace and Reconciliation, which brought an end to a deadly civil war between Hutus and Tutsis.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: African mediators adopted Mandela's principles to promote dialogue between rebel factions and the government.
• ​Indirect influence in Gaza: Nelson Mandela model of reconciliation and inclusive negotiation inspired many peace actors in the region. Palestinian figures such as Marwan Barghouthi, often referred to as the “Palestinian Mandela” claim his legacy to promote non-violent resistance and political dialogue.

Nelson Mandela’s mediation style is even taught in diplomatic schools such as Harvard and Oxford. He is recognized for having transformed negotiation into a tool for social change, emphasizing dignity, respect, and forgiveness

Nelson Mandela: The Nelson Mandela Rules and the defense of the fundamental rights of prisoners. 

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life in prison under the criminal regime of Apartheid and was a fervent defender of prisoners' rights. In prison, he organized actions of civil disobedience with the aim to improve detention conditions and defend the rights of prisoners.  

Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela defended the human rights of prisoners, which had a significant impact on the international community regarding prisoners’ rights. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and decided to name them the Nelson Mandela Rules to honor the legacy of the former president of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela and social justice: a living legacy in International initiatives.

Social justice was at the heart of Nelson Mandela's presidential mandate. Nelson Mandela created the Reconstruction and Development Program with the aim of reducing the social and economic inequalities created by Apartheid in South Africa and improving the living conditions of the black majority. 

Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela had a profound impact on the fight against inequality and poverty. His legacy continues to inspire initiatives around the world that aim to reduce poverty, combat inequality, and promote social justice.

On Nelson Mandela Day 2025, the theme is “It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity." This powerful message highlights Mandela’s commitment to social justice and encourages everyone to take concrete action toward a more equitable world. 

Nelson Mandela’s legacy : an inspiration for a more inclusive and sustainable world.

To conclude this article, through his lifelong commitments and the struggles he led, Nelson Mandela succeeded in inspiring and continues to inspire numerous movements and initiatives around the world. 
Nelson Mandela’s legacy is both profound and invaluable. In the face of current issues and challenges it remains essential for the international community and populations around the world to draw inspiration from this legacy and use it as a foundation to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. 

​We must not limit the celebration of Nelson Mandela’s legacy to the Nelson Mandela International Day held every July 18th. Instead, we should honor his legacy by embracing the values and causes he championed as we address today’s issues, conflicts, and wars.