Roots was in a spotlight at the FriEnt Peace Building Forum, held online April 27 – 29, 2021. Attended by hundreds of participants from all over the world, the virtual space offered multiple opportunities for engagement and networking via workshops and discussion panels facilitated by prominent peace workers and activists & dedicated to the issues affecting global security.

And we had our own say too – Lika Zakaryan, YMCA Europe Roots for Peace project Media Consultant featured as one of the panelists during the workshop that focused on “the challenges and opportunities for an active engagement of the multilateral structures of OSCE and EU to contribute to building and maintaining constructive relations between states and societies in the South Caucasus Region.” – with recent conflict in Nagorno Karabakh especially considered.

As a local and one that lived through the horrors of the recent 44-day war that claimed thousands of lives and left many more displaced and without shelter, she spoke about the harsh reality and challenges faced by the people of Karabakh – the situation that requires drastic attention and resolution on a much wider scale.

The workshop was interactive and attendees had the opportunity to enter in discussion and pose questions, as well as to feedback upon the conclusion. Here are some selected quotes:

“People of Karabakh feel betrayed by the International community”

“Refocus is urgent, stronger role for the EU and Germany in the OSCE-Minsk Group.”

“Immediate response to the humanitarian crisis, including trauma-healing.”

“Focus on youth is instrumental.”

Valuable observations, indeed. And there can be no categories when the lives of people are at stake… We love the same, we hurt the same… And we only succeed… together!