On 7–8 May 2025, the Paths to Peace partnership came together in person for the very first time in Vienna, Austria — marking a key milestone in our shared mission to harness tourism for youth-led peacebuilding.
Hosted by the International Institute for Peace (IIP) at their headquarters in the heart of Vienna, the two-day meeting brought together all six project partners from across Europe for an inspiring and productive exchange. The sessions were filled with energy, creativity, and deep reflection as we explored how young people, tourism professionals, and peacebuilders can work together to promote empathy, inclusion, and civic engagement.
🤝 Welcome and Project Overview
The meeting opened with warm welcomes, coffee, and a run-through of the two-day agenda. Partners revisited the project’s mission, key objectives, and target groups — aligning our shared vision and making space for each organisation to contribute its expertise.
🗂 Project Management and Communication Tools
Work Package 1 (WP1) covered essential updates on agreements, reporting, and budget flow, while partners were introduced to our project collaboration platforms: Monday.com and the shared project folder. We also reviewed the Environmental Manifesto to ensure sustainability is embedded in every step of our work.
🎨 Branding, Social Media & Dissemination
Momentum Consulting introduced the visual identity of the project under WP5 — including our newly launched logo, branding templates, and social media channels (Instagram and LinkedIn). Partners shared feedback and suggestions to strengthen our messaging and outreach.
📖 WP2 – Global Peace Perspectives Roadmap
The heart of the first day focused on WP2, led by IIP, which will produce the flagship Global Peace Perspectives Roadmap. This practical, youth-informed guide will be shaped through interviews, surveys, and case studies collected across partner countries. Together, we co-designed the research methodology, clarified data collection roles, and began exploring possible case studies — real-world examples where tourism fosters dialogue, inclusion, and peace.
🧭 WP3 – Practical Paths to Peace: Workshops and Mentorship
On Day 2, the group turned its focus to WP3, planning the four hybrid workshops and mentorship programme that will train 60+ youth Peace Building Advocates. We discussed how the training series will reflect Global Citizenship Education values and be shaped by insights from WP2.
💡 WP4 – Hackathon and Peace Proposals
The final session of the meeting looked ahead to WP4 — where youth will co-create and present their peace-tourism proposals at an international hackathon. Partners outlined an initial mentorship approach and began brainstorming themes and co-creation strategies.
🗣 Reflections and Forward Momentum
Throughout the meeting, partners shared personal reflections on what peacebuilding means to them and how tourism can bridge social divides. These open dialogues helped deepen our shared commitment and sparked ideas for collaboration across work packages.
📸 What’s Next?
Partners are now continuing WP2 activities — launching youth and stakeholder surveys, identifying case studies, and developing the first draft of the Roadmap. We’re also excited to keep growing our digital presence and begin preparations for the workshops and mentoring sessions.
This meeting set the tone for the project ahead — one rooted in solidarity, inclusion, and action. Thank you to IIP for the warm hospitality and to all partners for your energy and dedication. The journey has officially begun — and we can’t wait to see where our Paths to Peace will lead.