Halef Kurt, a Cypriot peace activist, is helping shape a vision for a more peaceful and sustainable Cyprus. As one of the UN Youth Champions, Halef represents a generation committed to dismantling barriers—both environmental and societal—through meaningful, interdisciplinary action.

Halef first encountered the UN Youth Champions program through events in the buffer zone and updates from UN social media platforms and bulletins. These platforms played a pivotal role in sparking his interest. “It offered a unique opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary field that connects peacebuilding and environmental action. These are two essential issues for the future of our island” Halef shared.

Participation in the program provided Halef with hands-on experience in both peacebuilding and environmental sustainability. Engaging with professionals, NGOs, and activists gave him valuable insight, while collaboration with like-minded peers deepened his understanding and commitment. “It was interactive, informative, engaging, entertaining, and above all, important for both personal development and community impact.”

For Halef, one of the most meaningful aspects of the program was witnessing how environmental issues transcend identity, community, and division. “When it comes to the environment, there are no borders—no ‘other’ communities. We all share the same awareness and responsibility for our world,” he said. This understanding served as a powerful catalyst for unity, encouraging youth from different communities to connect over shared concerns.

Halef and his peers discovered new forms of diplomacy through their work. “Coming together for environmental sustainability to promote connection between communities was an incredible opportunity,” he explained. “It encourages other parts of society to engage in such activities through various diplomatic channels, fostering collaboration and peacebuilding.”

Beyond theory, Halef values the program for providing real-world context and application. “Theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. This experience allowed us to hear directly from people working in the field,” he emphasized. These first-hand experiences equipped him and others with the practical tools necessary to become more effective changemakers.

One of Halef’s proudest achievements as a UN Youth Champion is the creation of Hade Pame!, an initiative that promotes peace and dialogue through eco-friendly transportation. Their flagship event, City Trek: Explore the Divided Capital of Nicosia, held in collaboration with Patika Cyprus, invited participants to discover both sides of the island on foot.

But the mission doesn’t stop there. “We aim to help all communities on the island discover and explore both sides of Cyprus through environmentally friendly transportation options,” Halef said. This initiative not only fosters environmental awareness but also encourages cross-border engagement—two pillars of sustainable peace.

Reflecting on the experience, Halef recalls a particularly powerful realization: “When the topic is the environment—something that transcends any specific identity—it brings people together without any self-interest or community divisions.” This insight continues to fuel his passion for unity and sustainability.

In a divided land, Halef Kurt is walking a path that leads not only to a greener future but also to a more connected and peaceful one.

The UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace program is organized by UNFICYP since 2020, in alignment with UNSC resolution 2250 (2015) and the UN’s Youth, Peace and Security agenda. The program is specifically designed to engage and empower young people in Cyprus, ages 18-30, to take an active role in peacebuilding through environmental initiatives and cooperation and aims to foster dialogue, build trust and promote joint action.  For the last 3 years, the British Council has been a partner in delivering the program.