Cultivating Leadership, Creating Change Globally

As PeaceJam celebrates 30 years of empowering young people to create positive change, this month's stories highlight a truth that has guided our work from the beginning: peace takes all of us.

This month, we celebrate the growing leadership taking root across the PeaceJam community. From young leaders representing PeaceJam on the global stage at the Vatican to educators and regional leaders strengthening connections across Africa, these stories reflect the power of investing in local leadership that creates worldwide impact.

The PeaceJam delegation pictured at the papal summer residence of the Vatican.

Youth Voices at the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly

PeaceJam's was proud to participate in the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear War in Rome. Executive Director Lauren Coffaro joined six outstanding PeaceJam alumni: Salim from Uganda, Felix from Ghana, Fay and Luke from the United Kingdom, and Paulin and Lucia from the United States.

Over 3 days, they they engaged with Nobel Peace Laureates, policymakers, researchers, and technology leaders in conversations about the future of artificial intelligence, ethics, and global security. One message stood out: young people must be part of shaping the technologies and policies that will define their future.

As Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams challenged participants:

"What do we take from this assembly so that people have a moral requirement to act?"

Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams

speaking at the Global Asssembly.

The PeaceJam delegation did more than listen - they influenced language in the historic Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peace, which calls for empowering young people through education, mentorship, intergenerational partnership, and meaningful participation in addressing emerging global challenges.

"I'm glad that PeaceJam Foundation was in the room to help push for this progress. The voices of our young leaders directly influenced language in the historic Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peace, which was signed at the end of the week."

-Lauren Coffaro, Executive Director

PeaceJam youth delegates engage in working group conversations with

fellow representatives at the Vatican.

The experience left a lasting impression on the youth delegates as well:

"Bringing young people into the room is an important first step. Creating space for them to actively contribute can make these conversations even stronger." — Salim Mbusa, PeaceJam Uganda

"AI should not make decisions about life and death." — Felix Dade, PeaceJam Ghana

"We are the ones who will be the most impacted—or will most benefit—from this technology, and we still have a chance to shape how it advances." — Paulina Sicius, PeaceJam Southeast

For 30 years, PeaceJam has worked to ensure that young people are not only prepared to lead: they are trusted to lead. Our participation in Rome is another example of what becomes possible when youth voices are welcomed into conversations that will shape our shared future.

Read the full blog to hear more reflections from Lauren and the PeaceJam youth delegation, and learn how PeaceJam youth helped shape one of the world's most important conversations on AI, peace, and human dignity.

Did you know PeaceJam is thriving in 5 countries across Africa? The leaders behind this amazing youth movement recently came together in-person for a regional training and retreat to foster collaboration, shared learning, and stronger partnership between PeaceJam Chapters.

The retreat highlighted the incredible progress taking place in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Uganda, and South Africa. Conversations focused on expanding regional connections, sharing successful approaches, and identifying ways to increase collective impact in communities across Africa.

Our country leaders also contributed to shaping a long-term vision for PeaceJam in Africa, building on the energy already driving meaningful change throughout the continent. Their shared goal is to enable more youth to access PeaceJam's inspirational and life-changing programs!

The 2026 Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship

Applications open September 1st, 2026!

Are you serious about making a positive impact on the world? 🌍 The Billion Acts of Peace Changemaker Fellowship is a year-long leadership and impact program for young people who have already started something meaningful, and are ready to grow it. Youth leaders 18-30 are encouraged to apply!

• Up to $5,000 in project funding
• 10 monthly sessions with world-class mentors
• Tailored 1-on-1 coaching
• An award ceremony celebrating your impact
• A global community of peace builders

Applications open September 1st. Reach out to idel@peacejam.org with any questions.

The Celebrations Continue!

In honor of our 30th Anniversary in 2026, we launched the Peace Takes All of Us campaign — an invitation to honor the legacy we’ve built together while ensuring the next 30 years of peace leadership.

Join the celebrations at peacejam.org/30years!

2026 PeaceJam South Africa Conference

October 10th-11th, 2026

Gardens Commercial High,

Cape Town, South Africa

We’re excited to announce that PeaceJam South Africa 2026 is coming soon!

More details, including the host and conference information, will be shared soon. Stay tuned!