Our peacebuilding work: crucial in today’s chaos

Turning enemies to allies

They were all very young when their communities became a battle ground. The five-month long siege of Marawi, Philippines raged in 2017, as government security forces fought militants connected with the Islamic State.

It happened on the streets where they lived, in Marawi and Cotabato cities. Today, many young people from the region remember what it felt like. The aftermath included trauma, hatred and bullying, even amongst children.

Eight years later, these same young people are evolving as strong peacebuilders in their schools and communities through World Vision-supported programs.

And in September 2024, 90 youth from the two cities lined up to attend a two-day “learning exchange” to share their insights. The photos are wonderful to look at. Laughter, conversation, hugs and problem solving amidst youth who might have been struggling alone.

As the event wrapped up, delegates reflected on their personal growth through peacebuilding work in their schools and communities. Here’s what three of them said:

• “We live the reality of conflict every day. This program allows us to listen, engage, and realize that peace is possible.” – Youth Peacebuilder

• “Because of this program, I don’t ‘other’ people anymore. I say ‘hello’ instead. I’ve learned to value myself and others more.” – Youth Peacebuilder

• “I see other people’s points of view as valuable, and I have hope that my home can have a peaceful future.” – Youth Peacebuilder

Acting for a peaceful world

Each year on September 21, the world marks the International Day of Peace. The theme for 2025 is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” “In a time of turbulence, tumult and uncertainty, it is critical for everyone to take action to mobilize for peace,” reads the United Nations web site.

Never have such actions been more vital. Armed conflict is rampant in our world today. As of August 2025, according to the Geneva Academy, 45 armed conflicts raged in the Middle East and North Africa, 35 in the rest of Africa, 21 in Asia and 7 in Europe.

In places beginning to recover from prolonged conflict, continued social unrest—often rooted in inequality and exclusion—risks reigniting that violence for children to experience all over again.

Despite the overwhelming nature of the challenge, World Vision doesn’t shy away. “Across the world, in some really complex places, World Vision uses peacebuilding programs to change the future for children,” says Robert Basco, who helped lead the September 2024 event in the Philippines.

Some “really complex places”

As World Vision has seen in places like Rwanda, peacebuilding must continue long after the weapons are dropped.

It must begin even as the conflict rages on. In regions of the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, Sudan and Syria, conflict can last so long that children grow to adulthood in its midst.

In some cases, children have been forced to serve as soldiers or “brides” with militia in the region. They may—however unwillingly—have been part of a group that’s harmed their communities. What happens when such a child seeks to go home?

Even children who remained with their families many never forget the panic of an armed attack on their community, or the horror of seeing a loved one killed. How can they grow from a terrorized child to a hopeful, confident leader?

Being sensitive in armed conflict

In such volatile regions, World Vision takes care to “do no harm” by ensuring we understand the context and carefully adapt to it. We seek to:

1. Understand the local situation. No two communities or families are exactly the same.

1. Identify the root causes of conflict and vulnerability.

1. Manage any risks related to conflict dynamics.

1. Ensure our programs are always “conflict sensitive.”

1. Monitor and adapt as we implement so our work remains safe and meaningful even as the context changes.

While seeking to we also actively promote peacebuilding activities. We work to address the root causes of that conflict. What were the grievances that caused the eventual battles?

Most critical of all is helping children to heal. Our child-friendly spaces offer trained therapists to listen, counsel and gently encourage. Activities like drawing their memories of conflict can help children open up.

Within communities, we offer programs like peace clubs for children, sports activities, or child parliaments in which girls and boys from different backgrounds share their ideas and ally for change.

Learning from young peacebuilders

At the end of the day, peace is an active process of understanding and compassion, not just an absence of conflict. It takes everyone, especially children like those in Marawi.

“Sometimes we don’t see the ‘immediate’ results,” says Robert Basco, who helped lead the event in the Philippines, “but don’t be impatient, change is happening. Young peacebuilders [can come to] understand their value and rights and build a peaceful future.

“I actually think we have a lot to learn from them.”