For two days in Utrecht at the end of the summer days, something rare happened.

At the Van der Valk Hotel Utrecht, 63 people from more than 30 organizations and over 20 countries gathered not to rush through agendas, but to think, listen, and reconnect. The occasion was PWR Up 2025, convened by MasterPeace—and its quiet ambition was simple: strengthen the people behind the work.

The structure was simple. One day for practice. One day for people.

On the first day, participants worked hands-on with tools they can immediately use: sustainability made practical through eco-labelling, social entrepreneurship as a path to resilience, learning design that actually leads to change, and honest conversations about ethical and inclusive AI. This wasn't a theory but it was capacity building shaped by real-world pressure.

On the International Day of Peace, participants shared messages in their own languages and walked together in a quiet procession. No branding. No speeches. Just a shared reminder of why this work exists.

Day two went deeper. Trust replaced hierarchy. Youth perspectives on climate anxiety met Doughnut Economics. Artivism opened conversations that policy language cannot. Fundraising was addressed plainly —  as a skill that can be learned, planned, and sustained.

The summit closed with something rare: networking without performance. Participants gathered around ideas they genuinely care about — youth inclusion, wellbeing, innovation, AI, storytelling — and small circles formed naturally. Several collaborations began there, without a single pitch deck.

PWR Up 2025 did not promise solutions to the world’s problems. It offered something quieter, and perhaps more necessary: a reminder that lasting change depends on people who are supported, connected, and allowed to be human.

This is the first story in the MasterPeace Impact Series. Each week, we’ll share another — showing how investing in people builds stronger organizations, smarter programs, and change that lasts.

We are proud to announce the successful completion of the international youth project “Cool Leaders Academy 2025”, held from October 25 to November 2 in the picturesque town of Bakuriani, Georgia. Implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, the project brought together passionate young leaders and youth workers from across Europe for a transformative learning experience.

A Mission to Empower Eco-Conscious Youth

The core aim of Cool Leaders Academy 2025 was to empower young leaders and youth workers in the fields of environmental education, eco-awareness, and digital responsibility. Participants representing Georgia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Croatia, Poland, Germany, and Armenia united around one shared mission: to develop eco-conscious changemakers capable of initiating and promoting impactful environmental actions within their communities.

Key Objectives of the Project

The program was designed to:

• Engage youth in raising awareness about environmental and climate issues

• Develop “eco-trainers” who can multiply knowledge in their local contexts

• Strengthen cooperation between EU and Eastern Partnership countries around shared ecological goals

• Promote World Cleanup Day and Digital Cleanup Day initiatives

• Implement MasterPeace’s innovative educational model “Cool Leader”, which supports youth development through creative and interactive learning approaches

A Week of Learning, Leadership, and Collaboration

Throughout the week, participants took part in interactive trainings, hands-on workshops, and practical sessions, gaining both theoretical knowledge and real-life experience. They strengthened their leadership abilities, teamwork capacities, and communication skills through group tasks, debates, and collaborative presentations.

This dynamic environment fostered deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and international cooperation. Participants left the academy inspired and motivated to apply their new knowledge and drive positive environmental change in their home communities.

Aligned with Global Sustainability Goals

Cool Leaders Academy 2025 supports the principles of the EU Green Deal, the Paris Agreement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — positioning the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the global movement for a greener, more sustainable future.

Collaboration Behind the Success

The project was made possible through the partnership between MasterPeace and Let’s Do It Georgia, with the support of the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all organizers, trainers, and participants for their commitment, energy, and collaboration throughout this inspiring journey.

On 23rd September 2025, Aarohan,  the MasterPeace Club from India, brought together young minds, changemakers, and global peace leaders for a powerful virtual dialogue titled “Building a Culture of Peace: Role of Youth in Today’s World.” Organized also in honor of International Peace Day (IDP), the session was hosted in collaboration with MasterPeace Global and International Cities of Peace, where the webinar created a vibrant space for learning, reflection, and collective inspiration.

The event featured an exceptional panel whose insights gave different dimensions of peace-building:

Mr. Ashwini Kumar Dhakal, International Relations Scholar and MasterPeace’s Director of Network Programme, opened the conversation by mentioning what peace truly means in the modern world. He highlighted how awareness, empathy, and collaboration can transform communities when youth take the lead. Ashwini also explored the dynamic triangle of Politics, Youth, and Peace, showing how these three forces continuously shape society and how young people can drive civic transformation.

Dr. Manoranjan Mishra, Country Coordinator of MasterPeace India and Director of JRP, emphasized the lifelong importance of instilling strong values in individuals. Drawing from India’s longstanding traditions of non-violence and dialogue, he reminded participants that peace is not just a practice, but a heritage that must be nurtured and carried forward.

Mr. Suman Dev (USA), Philanthropist, IT Analyst, and Ex-IITian, shared a reflective view of India’s journey since 1947 i.e. post-independence. He encouraged young people to cultivate patience, embrace diverse perspectives, and actively participate in building a more respectful and inclusive world.

Together with the presence and guidance of Ms. Rani Patel, President & Founder of Aarohan, as well as the organization’s board members and dedicated team, the session became a meaningful exchange of wisdom and hope.

The session had overwhelming participation of young minds and youths. What stood out most was the enthusiasm of the participants including children, youth, volunteers, and interns, who’s energy helped establish that peace-building begins at the grassroots level, in everyday actions, and in the values we pass on to the next generation.

As part of the Global Donut Days 2025, MasterPeace Monastir (Tunisia) successfully hosted the Donut Peace Challenge — a four-day journey blending creativity, learning, and action for peace and sustainability. The event gathered young changemakers eager to explore how the principles of Doughnut Economics can inspire more balanced and inclusive societies.

Day 1 – Discovering the Doughnut

The challenge began with an engaging introduction to Doughnut Economics, a model that envisions human progress within the planet’s ecological limits. Participants took part in two dynamic workshops: “Step Into the Doughnut”, which encouraged reflection on social and environmental wellbeing, and “Quick Participatory Doughnut Mapping”, where they connected local realities to the global sustainability framework. The opening day was filled with discovery, collaboration, and inspiration — setting the tone for an empowering experience ahead.

Days 2 & 3 – Creativity in Action

During the following two days, participants transformed ideas into creative expressions through dedicated workshops in theatre, debate, and painting. Each team worked collaboratively to translate complex sustainability concepts into artistic messages promoting peace, empathy, and environmental consciousness. The atmosphere was one of energy and purpose as participants refined their projects and prepared for the final presentations before the jury.

Day 4 – Celebration and Reflection

The final day of the Donut Peace Challenge was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and shared vision. Teams presented their theatrical performances, debates, and artworks to the jury, delivering powerful messages about peace, sustainability, and community values. Awards were given in recognition of outstanding contributions, including Best Production, Best Educational Idea, Strongest Message of Peace, Team Spirit & Cooperation, and Donut Vision.

After the ceremony, participants received certificates acknowledging their active engagement and creativity. The event concluded with a friendly buffet — a joyful moment of connection, laughter, and celebration, marking the successful end of this inspiring journey.

The Donut Peace Challenge not only deepened participants’ understanding of Doughnut Economics but also empowered them to envision and act toward a world where peace and sustainability go hand in hand.