As an activist, a youth trainer, and a youth leader, I have been focusing on wiping out intolerance, hate speech, bullying, and discrimination through human rights and peace education, peer-to-peer learning, and intercultural dialogue.
There were many obstacles I had to overcome before I could dedicate myself to this work, such as the pressure from people who did not understand what being an activist meant and the fact I needed to work a separate job to pay for my activities and everyday expenses. Ultimately, it took four years until I was publicly recognized as an activist. Still, I consider myself a lucky person because my dream and my work are one—making the world a better place, free of intolerance and discrimination. In other words, the Federation from Star Trek.
But making this a reality will still take a very long time. A dream and utopia, some might say cynically. I say, our possible shared future—but only if we as a humanity change our mindset.
I come from the Balkans, a region which may be portrayed in your history textbooks as the “powder keg of Europe,” torn apart by deeply rooted inter-ethnic tensions. Indeed, there are still young people who belong to different communities and share the same street, yet have never broken through the ethnic divide. Nevertheless, through our activities, we have seen many young people understand their prejudice and how the image they have of each other is created by propaganda, and they are gradually learning to open up to each other. This is where I have experienced the most powerful and sincere moments of youth fighting the ghosts of the past together and breaking through community barriers to build a better today and a better future.
To expand our activities, society must become a place of inclusivity where everyone’s voice counts. Because the more diverse are the perspectives, the better is the outcome. Fortunately, technologies like the internet, for example, can be a great help in bringing young people around the world together to share their life stories and join forces.
Humanity can always change. I have already experienced this through my own activism. A world where religions bring people together instead of dividing them. Where different opinions and ways of life are respected instead of criticized. A place where diversity is a point of pride. Let’s work together to create a place where everyone can live their lives with peace of mind—and where future generations can be proud to call “home.”