Yala, Thailand — 26 April 2025

Over 500 young people, artists, and peace advocates gathered today at Yala Rajabhat University for PEACEtival 2025, a dynamic celebration of creativity, dialogue, and the growing and critical role of youth in peacebuilding. The event marks a key milestone in the SENANG project—Supporting an Enabling Atmosphere for Children and Youth Network for Peacebuilding Goals—a regional initiative led by Save the Children partnering with the Peace Resource Collaborative, the Looker, Yala Rajabhat University, Public Policy Institution- Prince of Songkhla University. Through an EU financial support of EUR 1 million, the project aims to support the creation of safe spaces for children and the youth to make their voices heard through artistic and cultural activities in conflict affected areas in Thailand and the Philippines.

PEACEtival 2025 reflects the success of this work. Throughout the day, participants showcased youth-produced films, original fashion designs, spoken word poetry, and live music performances that challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogue between communities. The event opened with a youth-led performance of the “SENANG Song” and a runway presentation of clothing designed and produced by young people in the Deep South, inspired by their personal and cultural experiences with conflict and reconciliation.

Guillaume Rachou, Executive Director of Save the Children Thailand, addressed the audience, calling the event “a turning point in how we think about peacebuilding.” He continued, “In just two years, SENANG has helped to amplify the voices of the people most affected by conflict—children and youth. Today we see them leading conversations, driving creative expression, and helping their communities move forward peacefully. These are not side stories—they are the main story.”

Andreas Roettger, Head of the Regional Team Asia Pacific of the European Union's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, which has funded the initiative since its inception, said during the opening ceremony: “The SENANG project is proof of what happens when people work together. With its partners, the project has supported the creation of safe spaces where young people can engage, express themselves, and lead efforts for peace in their communities.”

Throughout the day, young leaders led panel discussions on the role of art in reconciliation and intercultural dialogue. Academic partners and civil society groups presented reflections on how youth-led initiatives have shifted local narratives around peace and conflict. The event closed with poetry readings, a youth concert, and a short film screening produced entirely by local youth networks.

“Without the SENANG project, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It gave me knowledge, support, and the confidence to step into leadership and contribute to peace in my community,” said Faik, a second-year student and youth leader involved in the SENANG project.

Operating across Thailand’s Southernmost provinces (Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat) and the Philippines’ Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the SENANG project has created new spaces for children and youth to lead change through art and culture in regions affected by unrest. Over the past two years, it has supported more than 100 youth groups, introduced inclusive and child-led peace spaces, and brought together community leaders, educators, and local artists to reimagine peace from the ground up.

The SENANG project has not only changed the conversation about youth and peace—it has changed lives. From creating safe spaces for dialogue to opening direct channels for child-led engagement with policymakers, the project has demonstrated that meaningful participation is not only possible, but necessary.

PEACEtival 2025 stands as a testament to what happens when power is shared, and when children and youth are trusted as architects of peace in their own communities.

To learn more about the SENANG project and how you can support our work, visit www.savethechildren.or.th.