#hope

Thich Nhat Hanh

Zen Buddhist monk, poet, Nobel Peace Prize nominee — Vietnam, 1926-2022

In 1966 I went to America to call for peace. The people of Vietnam only wanted the killing to stop. When I tried to come home, both sides refused me entry. I was exiled because, as a monk, I had dared to call for peace. I never went back. But the practice never stopped. Peace begins with each breath.

#justice

Wangari Maathai

Nobel Peace Prize 2004, founder Green Belt Movement — Kenya, 1940-2011

I stood before the world humbled. As the first African woman to receive this prize, I accept it on behalf of the people of Kenya and Africa. Human rights are not things put on a table for people to enjoy. These are things you fight for and then you protect.

Adriana Potel

Peace activist and dialogue facilitator working to bridge divides between communities affected by conflict. She focuses on grassroots engagement, storytelling, and building mutual understanding across polarized groups.

Mpho Tutu van Furth

South African Anglican priest, author, and global advocate for reconciliation and restorative justice. As the daughter of Desmond Tutu, she continues his legacy by promoting forgiveness and healing in divided societies.

#justice

Tetiana Bubnova

Peacewalker, walked Spain route — Odessa, Ukraine, 39

I came because a friend invited me. I didn't have many expectations. I'm not a political person. But I believe peace in the world starts with inner peace. And if we can create peace inside our own family - that is the best foundation for everything else.

#sacrifice

Sebastiaan Bolt

Peacewalker, full route Amsterdam-Jerusalem — Bredevoort, Netherlands, 44

I grew up inside the Jehovah's Witnesses. Leaving meant breaking with my family. For years I lived almost like a hermit - and I was happy that way. But something changed. A longing for connection. And then this path appeared: 8,500 kilometres to Jerusalem. One plus one is three.

Aziz Abu Sarah

Palestinian peacebuilder, author, and cultural educator focused on conflict transformation through dialogue and tourism. He co-founded initiatives that use shared experiences to challenge narratives and foster empathy across divides.

#hope

Ryokyu Endo

Buddhist monk, founder Flame of Hope — Japan

One of my biggest wishes has always been for there to be no lonely people in this world. In Mahayana Buddhism, all the past, present and future are in this moment. That moment is the brightness of the heart. And it is that brightness - that shining - that will realise the ideal future.

#sacrifice

Sophie Scholl

Student, White Rose resistance movement — Germany, 1921-1943

I distributed leaflets at the university calling for resistance. I had no weapon. Only words, and the courage to use them. They executed me at 21. But I could not stay silent while people looked away. Choosing peace when everyone around you has chosen war — that is not weakness. That is the only thing worth doing.

#reconciliation

Reem Hajajreh

Founder Women of the Sun, TIME Women of the Year 2024, Nobel Peace Prize nominee — Palestine

I became an activist out of fear for my children. Growing up in Dheisheh camp, under occupation, I knew they could end up imprisoned, wounded, or worse. We started out as a movement with a few lone women. Now we are thousands. We no longer take the back seat. Palestinian mothers and Israeli mothers - we refuse for our children to be killed.

Allmep

A coalition of over 150 organizations dedicated to building people-to-people peace in the Middle East. It supports civil society efforts that foster cooperation, trust, and grassroots momentum for a negotiated peace.

#justice

John Lyndon

Executive Director ALLMEP, Visiting Fellow King's College London — Ireland

The extremists get up every day and do something measurable to further their goal. Then they do it again. That is how you change society. It does not happen at a donor conference or with handshakes on a White House lawn. We have never handed a worse set of variables to an emerging generation. That is why we cannot wait. We build now.

#sacrifice

Moaz Inon

Peace activist, co-author The Future Is Peace — Israel

Israeli peace entrepreneur and social activist who promotes reconciliation through people-to-people initiatives. He is known for co-founding projects that bring together Israelis and Palestinians to build trust and shared understanding.My parents were killed on October 7th. Three days later, I was drowning in an ocean of sorrow. Then my brother said: we do not seek revenge. Because revenge would not bring them back - and it would only continue a cycle of violence that has been going on for a century. I chose peace. That was the only choice.

#reconciliation

Niel Vanderwegen

Peacewalker, biochemist — Bierbeek, Belgium, 48

I used to have my answer ready before someone finished speaking. I wanted to win. But then you realise: you're walking alone. So now I count to twenty before I say anything. And often the other person just keeps talking. The story wasn't finished yet. That's where peace starts.

#reconciliation

Desmond Tutu

Nobel Peace Prize 1984, chair Truth and Reconciliation Commission — South Africa, 1931-2021

Mandela asked me to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Who could say no to Mandela? For three years we listened to the worst humanity can do. And at the end - I was surprised myself - there was hope. The human spirit is more resilient than you think.

Parents Circle

A joint Israeli–Palestinian organization of bereaved families who have lost loved ones in the conflict. They work together to promote reconciliation, dialogue, and a nonviolent path forward.

Women Wage Peace

A grassroots Israeli movement mobilizing women from diverse backgrounds to advocate for a political solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. They focus on nonviolent action, public pressure, and inclusive leadership to advance peace.

#hope

Ruzanna Sukiasyan

Peacewalker, community coordinator Peacewalk — Armenia, 42

My great-grandfather disappeared during Stalin's time. Someone betrayed him. By six in the morning, he was gone. That kind of fear lives in your body. I won't pretend I have hope. But I have faith in somebody else's hope. If someone can't walk their hope - I will walk it for them.