. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .
Special to CPNN from the Peace Makers Academy
At a time when societies across the world face increasing polarization, conflict and uncertainty, the Peace Makers Academy 2026 will bring together 25 young leaders from diverse nationalities for an intensive four-day international experience dedicated to peacebuilding, leadership and collaborative action.
This year’s edition is built around the theme “From Resources to Peace: Science, Innovation and Citizen Action”.
Organized in Paris from 15 to 18 October 2026, the Peace Makers Academy is far more than a training program. Designed as a three-day international Peace Hackathon, the Academy combines experiential learning, intercultural dialogue and project-based collaboration to empower participants to become concrete actors of peace within their communities.
Built around the conviction that peace is a skill that can be learned, practiced and multiplied, the Academy offers participants a comprehensive 360-degree approach to peacebuilding through expert-led workshops, simulations, keynote lectures and collaborative challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on theory, the program encourages participants to design practical and innovative responses to real societal challenges. Throughout the event, interdisciplinary teams will work together to develop initiatives capable of creating measurable local and international impact.
From dialogue to action
One of the Academy’s defining features is its action-oriented methodology.
Instead of limiting discussions to global challenges, participants are invited to co-create practical solutions addressing issues such as social cohesion, inclusion, dialogue, youth engagement and community resilience.
The hackathon serves as a laboratory for innovation where participants move rapidly from identifying challenges to designing impactful initiatives that can be implemented beyond the Academy.
This emphasis on implementation reflects a broader vision of peace—not merely as the absence of conflict, but as the active construction of inclusive, resilient and cooperative societies.
Building an international network for peace
Beyond technical skills, the Academy seeks to create a lasting international community of changemakers.
(Click here for the article in French.)
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Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?
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Participants will have the opportunity to establish professional relationships with experts, facilitators and fellow young leaders representing multiple countries and cultures. These connections are intended to continue long after the Academy concludes, encouraging future collaborations and cross-border initiatives.
Final round of applications
The final application round is now open for candidates wishing to join the 2026 cohort.
Young leaders, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and engaged citizens between 18 to 40 years old, with a strong interest in peacebuilding and international cooperation are encouraged to apply. The program will be conducted entirely in English.
Peace Makers Academy 2026
Dates: 15–18 October 2026
Location: Paris, France
Language: English
Participants: 25 selected candidates from diverse nationalities
As the final selection process begins, this is the last opportunity to become part of an international community committed to building peace through collaboration, innovation and leadership.
About JCI and JCI France
The Peace Makers Academy is organized by JCI France, the French national organization of Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Founded in 1915, Junior Chamber International is a global nonprofit organization of active young citizens aged 18 to 40, bringing together more than 160,000 members in over 100 countries and territories. JCI develops leadership through projects that create positive change in communities while advancing active citizenship, entrepreneurship, international cooperation and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. JCI holds consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC.
Through the Peace Makers Academy, JCI France contributes to this global mission by providing young leaders with practical peacebuilding skills, fostering intercultural dialogue and empowering participants to transform innovative ideas into tangible actions for more peaceful and inclusive societies.
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Press contact: Eva JOURJON — peace.academy@jcef.asso.fr — +33 6 29 09 87 21
(Editor’s note: On August 15, we spoke by telephone with Eva Jourjon who reassured us that applications are still being considered, despite information on the internet saying that applications are closed.)
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