During the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) End of Year Washington, DC program June 2015, thirty students from eleven YES countries participated in the ‘How to Become a Peacebuilder in your Home Community’ session held by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). This session on becoming a peacebuilder was hosted by Ann-Louise Colgan, Director of their Global Peacebuilding Center. 

Students explored definitions of conflict and peace and the connections between these concepts and civic education and leadership in a 90 minute interactive discussion lead by Ann-Louise and USIP staff. Students shared their thoughts on what it means to be a peacebuilder and the qualities peacebuilders around the world have in common. Finally, students reflected on their experiences as YES participants and, based on the unique skills and abilities they gained during their YES exchange year, what roles they could play as leaders in building peace in their home communities, particularly as youth leading their peers. Director Colgan stated on several occasions that these YES students were among “the absolute very best participants USIP had ever had visit their center”.