During my summer fellowship with the Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Center (CPDC) in Nicosia, Cyprus, I contributed to several critical projects aimed at fostering dialogue and promoting peace on the divided island. My work ranged from research and proposal drafting to direct engagement with both local and international stakeholders.

A significant portion of my fellowship involved drafting and supporting various project proposals, including PeaceTrack, DigiPAX, and a research proposal for CPDC’s executive director’s secondment with KU Leuven. Of these, DigiPAX was particularly impactful, as it was implemented during my time at the center. DigiPAX focuses on integrating youth into a comprehensive digital engagement strategy to address the ongoing stalemate in the Cyprus peace process. I spearheaded the proposal, conducted consultations with experts, and implemented an AI-powered virtual dialogue that engaged 20 participants, producing valuable insights for future initiatives. Additionally, I am in the process of drafting a broader digital engagement strategy that incorporates the findings from these consultations.

I also played a supportive role in CPDC's collaborative efforts with the Cyprus Women Bicommunal Coalition (CWBC). I participated in the inaugural outreach event, prepared post-meeting press releases, and supported the submission of an EU in-kind support application. The successful application will allow 15 CWBC members to attend a series of high-level visits in Ireland and Belfast under the auspices of the Irish Embassy in Nicosia. The visits will allow the coalition to strengthen their advocacy work and bring back best practices from the Irish context to the Cypriot public to reignite hope and active engagement. In support of CPDC’s grant applications, I contributed to the preparation of a submission for the EU’s “Cypriot Civil Society in Action IX” call. I co-authored the first draft of the concept note, which was later reviewed by a grants expert, ensuring the submission was competitive and well-structured. Beyond these projects, together with CPDC’s communication manager, I proposed and began developing a social media campaign to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Cyprus’s division. This campaign, which involved engaging with youth at the annual Cyprus Friendship Program camp, aims to capture and share their perspectives on the prolonged status quo and explore potential paths forward. The content gathered is currently being edited into a compelling video narrative.

Throughout my fellowship, I attended several important events, including a Civil Society Organization (CSO) conference led by the Norwegian embassy. I drafted talking points for CPDC’s executive director, who was a keynote speaker, and established connections with representatives from Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue to explore future collaboration on digital dialogue initiatives. Additionally, I took part in a closed door bicommunal meeting between CPDC and Apofasi Irinis (key Greek Cypriot peacebuilding NGO) in which key stakeholders with expertise in high level negotiations deliberated on their joint appeal to the UN Secretary General highlighting their concern over the lack of progress in peace talks and growing public frustration.

Throughout my fellowship with the Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Center, I was deeply involved in a variety of initiatives that addressed the complex and ongoing challenges of peacebuilding in Cyprus. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of the intricate dynamics of conflict resolution but also the key role of grassroots civil society actors that mustn’t be overlooked in overcoming deep rooted barriers. I was given opportunities to hone my ability to contribute effectively to large-scale, impactful projects and connect with experts in the field. The skills and insights I gained through this fellowship will continue to shape my approach to peacebuilding and international development. As I move forward, I am inspired to leverage this experience to further advocate for innovative solutions that bridge divides and promote lasting peace.