A peaceful world is a world free of launched missiles destroying homes full of sweet memories. It does not require war zones to be football pitches where children play. It is a world where women are not deprived of their safety because wicked men exist. It is a world in which power and wealth matter less than people's rights. It is a world in which all beings are compassionate towards one another, regardless of their cultural origin, race or religion. It is one in which no one is a victim of injustice and oppression. It is, finally, a world in which all living beings coexist harmoniously, with no need to harm or hurt one another.
There are many ways to teach young people to work together and to develop ideas for a peaceful future. Education is one of them, an education that prioritises the growth of young people. Classrooms are not only for algebraic equations and grammar; they are an exceptional way of letting young people interact with people from various cultural backgrounds, sharing their piece of the country while sharing food with each other. They would exchange a few words from singular languages, some struggling with the pronunciation of words from others' dialects, laughing at one another, which would foster both the building of bonds and communication skills and the understanding that, even with differences of opinion, a team can work effectively and build a peaceful world. Working together, as a class, will also bring with it the understanding that not all leaders are the same, that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and that the only thing that unites them all is a passion for changing the world.
Skills development plays a fundamental role in opening a window of opportunities for young people. The creative ideas and approaches that young people would introduce would depend greatly on the skills they have, and some may even have to acquire certain skills that help with their specific career paths. Nowadays, many skills, such as analytical skills, flexibility, time management and others, are becoming increasingly vital. Such programmes ensure that a lack of certain skills is not an obstacle when young people work together to build a better world. In fact, skills development should also be considered in education systems as part of the curriculum, since schools and universities are already learning environments in which students are regularly engaged.
Young people are also encouraged to get involved in projects and activities purely focused on achieving a peaceful future and the sustainable development goals, which would give them plenty of exposure and experience. It would be a step into the real world, outside school, where they would put their ambitions into action. Working on these projects would help with problem-solving techniques, critical thinking and the quality of being punctual.
Each person's mindset also contributes to the way they work. Young people need to learn to accept. To accept the fact that, although individualism has great value, teamwork makes the dream work. To accept that people of all kinds will pass through our lives, and that their nationality or personal beliefs are not reasons to decide whether or not they are capable. Together, as a collective, hand in hand, differences can be made. Even if we are doing small things every day, contributing to a peaceful world, whether by raising our voices for the right cause or by treating others with respect, small things done by many produce an enormous impact.
Those who believe will always move forward, even if their life is struck by the darkest of storms. Believing is like an invisible rope that we hold on to and that makes us move forward. Believing in each person's spark and abilities will build not simply a dream team, but a healthy dream team. Believing gives each person the chance to get back up after suffering the wounds of failure.
