Over 3,500 youth from 400 schools convened at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Maze/ Long Kesh in Northern Ireland to pledge peace at Amazing the Space, a youth-led event held on International Day of Peace. Another 1,500 youth tuned in from satellite locations across Northern Ireland.

This specially commissioned 4.5-meter steel tree features the over 400 peace pledges collected for Amazing the Space. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA hangs his pledge with others. (Credit @ConorHoustonNI )

Global Peace Foundation joined Co-operation Ireland, the event’s main organizer, as a partner. Youth from Global Peace Foundation chapters in Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia, Tanzania, Nepal, India, the United States, Korea and Mongolia sent video messages for the event, joining over 400 peace pledges written by students in Northern Ireland.

The youth-led celebration was the brainchild of Presbyterian minister Dr. David Latimer and organized by a steering committee of youth ambassadors from around Northern Ireland and supported by Co-operation Ireland. Program performances included local school choirs, youth talents, and peace pledges.

In attendance were Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA, Jr. Ministers Alastair Ross and Megan Fearon. Peter Sheridan, CEO of Co-operation Ireland said: “Co-operation Ireland believe that young people should be actively engaged in shaping lasting peace and contributing to justice and reconciliation locally and globally. Their participation is an important signal in building sustainable peace. Amazing the Space has been led by young people, they have been part of the planning and the decision making, it would not have happened without their energy and enthusiasm.”