Event Summary

USIP President Richard Solomon introduces the panelists of the event.

On January 25, 2007, USIP hosted an event on youth and peacebuilding featuring Zlata Filipovich and Melanie Challenger, co-editors of Stolen Voices: Young People's War Diaries, From World War I to Iraq. Co-hosted by the International Crisis Group (ICG), the event focused on the roles that youth can play in peacemaking and preventing conflict.

Filipovich, who gained fame as the author of the international best seller Zlata's Diary, and Challenger, an award winning writer, discussed their book and shared their views on how writing can promote peace. Ambassador Donald Steinberg, from ICG and a former USIP senior fellow, presented a broad picture of what youth are doing today across the globe. Yll Bajraktari from USIP discussed his work in Kosovo.

USIP Program Specialist Yll Bajraktari discusses his work in Kosovo.

The capacity crowd consisted of a large number of area high school and college students as well as individuals involved in educational efforts. The event was moderated by David J. Smith of the Institute's Education program.

Speakers

• Zlata Filipovich and Melanie Challenger
  Co-editors of Stolen Voices: Young People's War Diaries, From World War I to Iraq
   
• Ambassador Donald Steinberg
  Former USIP Fellow and currently Vice President of International Crisis Group
• David J. Smith, Moderator
  Education Program, U.S. Institute of Peace

  Discussants will include young people who have experienced international conflict including:

• Yll Bajraktari, Discussant
  Founder of The Forum, a youth organization in Kosovo

Archived Audio

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