VATICAN - From August 27th to 29th, an international meeting of the Sant'Egidio community's youth movement will take place. Approximately one thousand participants from 13 European countries, including hundreds from Ukraine, are expected to attend, with the aim of reaffirming their commitment to "opposing all forms of violence and racism."

“Global friendship for a peaceful future” – this is the dream that will bring together approximately 1,000 young people, students from universities and secondary schools, for the international meeting "Youth for Peace" in Berlin, from August 27th to 29th. Thirteen countries will be represented at this important European event, taking place at a time marked by seemingly endless wars, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine.

One Hundred Young People from Ukraine

“Youth for Peace,” according to the press release announcing the event, "is a movement associated with the Sant'Egidio community, which works daily with disadvantaged children, the homeless, and elderly people, and during the summer months, supports solidarity holidays for refugees in camps in Greece and Cyprus." Approximately one hundred young people from Kyiv, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kharkiv will travel to the German capital, where Sant'Egidio continues to support the population through the distribution of food and medical supplies, and by running educational centers for children and young people – also thanks to the support of many refugees who have joined the community.

A Commitment Against Violence and Racism

During the three-day meeting, participants, as further stated in the presentation, "will express the hopes of their generation and discuss various topics – ecology, migration, poverty – with the aim of promoting a culture of peace and solidarity in the city where the Wall fell 35 years ago," which represents "a great sign of hope for the future." On the morning of August 28th, a gathering is also planned with Marco Impagliazzo, a representative of the Sant'Egidio community, entitled "In Friendship, There is Victory." In the afternoon, young people will commemorate the victims of national socialism among the Sinti and Roma people at the Brandenburg Gate, to "reaffirm their commitment to opposing all forms of violence and racism."

vaticannews.va / gnews.cz-roz_07