In any meaningful peacebuilding effort, rigorous research and strategic thinking are essential. That’s why the Paths to Peace project is proud to work with the International Institute for Peace (IIP) – an independent, Vienna-based think tank dedicated to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, international dialogue, and human rights.
🌐 Website: www.iipvienna.com
Who They Are
The International Institute for Peace has been a fixture in European peacebuilding since the 1950s, but in recent years, under new leadership, IIP has evolved into a forward-thinking hub for critical dialogue, policy research, and international cooperation. Their work spans European security, civil society engagement, mediation training, and conflict analysis, with a strong focus on building bridges between sectors and generations.
IIP engages with scholars, policy experts, and grassroots actors to investigate the root causes of conflict and develop practical pathways to peace. Their emphasis on youth participation and inclusive dialogue aligns perfectly with the goals of Paths to Peace.
What They’re Doing in Paths to Peace
IIP leads the project’s Work Package 2 (Global Peace Perspectives), guiding all research activities designed to map existing tourism-based peacebuilding practices and identify gaps in youth peacebuilding skills across Europe and beyond. Their core contributions include:
- Designing the research methodology and coordinating surveys and interviews with young people, tourism professionals, and peacebuilding actors.
- Leading the development of the Global Peace Perspectives Roadmap, a strategic document combining case studies, stakeholder insights, and practical frameworks for youth-led tourism and peacebuilding initiatives.
- Ensuring research outputs are academically robust, practically useful, and accessible to youth workers, educators, and community leaders across Europe.
- Supporting dissemination activities and participating in expert panels to share results at national and international levels.
Meet the IPP Team
🕊️ Stephanie Fenkart – Director
Since taking over IIP in 2016, Stephanie has expanded the institute’s international reach and solidified its reputation as a key voice in European peacebuilding. Her knowledge of EU foreign and security policy, combined with her public speaking and policy advocacy skills, will help ensure the visibility of Paths to Peace at high-level forums. Stephanie’s global network will also support stakeholder engagement and dissemination across sectors.
📚 Marylia Hushcha – Researcher and Project Manager
Marylia is the driving force behind WP2, overseeing all research activities and ensuring data quality and ethical standards. With expertise in Eastern European politics and peace mediation, Marylia brings both strategic insight and hands-on experience from EU-funded initiatives. Her focus on civilian peacebuilding training and youth capacity building is especially relevant to the project's mission.
The International Institute for Peace brings intellectual depth, field expertise, and cross-regional understanding to Paths to Peace. Their leadership in WP2 ensures that all project activities are informed by solid evidence, diverse perspectives, and a long-term vision for inclusive peace.