Children for Peace: Voices from Iraq’s next generation
By Andreea Bujor, Communications and Advocacy Director
In the spirit of International Peace Day (21 September 2025), World Vision Iraq brought together children, youth, local authorities, and faith leaders for a powerful peacebuilding workshop in Kirkuk. Held under the theme 'Children for Peace – Voices of Iraq’s Next Generation', the workshop invited participants to imagine a more peaceful Iraq led by those who will inherit ithe country.
This landmark gathering marks the first-ever creation of a Children’s Peace Manifesto in Iraq, co-created by the Children and Youth Group in Kirkuk. The workshop placed children at the centre of dialogue and decision-making, not as passive recipients, but as the bold architects of peacebuilding.
Gathered around a symbolic Peace Tree, children shared what peace means to them — and what must be done to build a more peaceful Iraq. Their words were clear: peace is more than the absence of war. It is safety, justice, tolerance, and respect.
What peace means to children in Iraq:
“Peace means living peacefully with your neighbours, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.”
“Peace is love and harmony with others, and the absence of threats from people, and having basic necessities.”
“Peace is justice, tolerance, and respect.”
“Peace means children can play freely without fear."
What should be done to achieve peace in Iraq:
“Encourage collaboration and reconciliation across communities.”
“Accept others as they are and recognise their dignity as human beings.”
“Promote tolerance through education and mentoring.”
“Reject discrimination and support those in need.”
“Football can bring children together across ethnicities and religions.”
Faith leaders from Muslim Sunni, Muslim Shia, the Catholic Church, and the Sabiea community, as well as a local authority representative from the Directorate of Education, joined the workshop. They affirmed the significance of amplifying children’s voices. One faith leader reflected: “I have seen many organisations work on peacebuilding, but this is the first time I have seen children at the centre. This is what makes it powerful.”
Context Matters
The Children’s Peace Manifesto emerges at a critical time. Over 1 million people in Iraq are displaced, whichi includes 107,000 people living in camps. Conflict and instability persist. Iraq continues to experience localised political violence, which affects community stability and returnee reintegration.. Children remain among the most vulnerable group, facing trauma, school dropouts, and exclusion.
And yet, there is hope. In governorates such as Ninewa and Salah al-Din, between 76% and 95% of people report greater trust and more welcoming communities. In these locations, World Vision's Peacebuilding in Iraq (CRISSA) project has provided over 3,040 people with care for their mental health — helping communities heal, reconnect, and rebuild.
Children are not only dreaming of peace — they are building it.
The Children’s Peace Manifesto is a cornerstone of World Vision Iraq’s Peacebuilding Roadmap (2025–2027) — placing children and youth at the centre of efforts to advance social cohesion, inclusion, and justice.