“I can’t be the person to change the world, but I can at least help the people who are changing the world to make it a better place.”
On 4 March, we welcomed Jonathan van Varik – youth worker, freelance peacebuilder, and lead coordinator of the 2026 Youth Peace Summit – for our latest Fireside Peace Chat.
In this edition of FPC, we explored the unique perspective and role that youth can play in advancing peace from the local to the global level. Together, we discussed how youth, institutions, organizations, and governments can be better connected through dialogue, innovation, and inclusion to empower young people worldwide to become active creators of peace.
When asked what advice he would give young people who want to make a difference, Jonathan shared a simple but powerful insight:
“Everyone can do something, but no one can do everything – and definitely not all at once.”
Everyone has their own talents and role to play. Peacebuilding happens when those strengths come together. He encouraged youth to start locally, to try and bridge gaps between communities that exist side by side but still rarely connect.
Because sometimes, starting small can be the beginning of real change.
Do you want to be more involved in peace and democracy?
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