Slovenia stands with young people for peace: the international musical ‘Peace Child’ combines art and diplomacy

From 13 to 23 August, 200 artists from 19 different countries – including Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Italy, Japan, Hungary, Pakistan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, Palestine, the United States of America, Russia, France and Romania – will gather in Brdo pri Kranju. Among them are young people from crisis areas such as Palestine, Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their stay is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and this has given the project an important development and humanitarian dimension, as it allows young people from regions still affected by war, displacement and social instability to participate in creative ventures and global discussions.

At the summer orchestra camp, young people will work with mentors to bring the Peace Child musical to life. This moving story is about the power of cooperation, dialogue and shared visions for the future. What makes this project unique is that young people co-create the story themselves by discussing key challenges of our time, including the importance of the UN, global governance reform, climate change, peace processes, and topics that speak to them personally, such as love, solidarity, division and hope.

As part of the project, an international youth forum on youth participation in global governance will take place in Brdo pri Kranju on 22 August. At this event, young people will present their views and solutions directly to decision-makers, diplomats and experts. It will provide an opportunity for open dialogue about the future of the world and the role young people can play in shaping it, based on the UN Declaration on Future Generations.

The Slovenian part of the project will reach its culmination at the Križanke Outdoor Theatre on 23 August as part of the Ljubljana Festival, when the musical will be presented to a wider audience for the first time. On 23 October, the eve of United Nations Day, the international premiere will take place at the Vienna Konzerthaus. This event will send a clear message to the world that Slovenia believes in the power of culture and dialogue, and in young people as bearers of peace.

‘SIT DOWN - Peace Child’ is not just a musical; it is a movement that empowers young people to express their visions for the world loudly, passionately and creatively. “In the year when Slovenia is serving its second term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and the UN is celebrating its 80th anniversary, this performance sends a strong message about our commitment to peace, multilateralism and inclusive diplomacy,” Minister Fajon said upon accepting the role of honorary patron.

The ‘SIT DOWN – Peace Child in Concert’ project is living proof that cultural and scientific diplomacy can transcend borders, build trust and encourage joint action for peace. Slovenia remains committed to ensuring that young people have a voice, both at home and abroad.

The project brings together partners from Slovenia and beyond, including from government institutions and non-governmental organisations: Slovenian Youth Orchestra, ART BSA Cultural Institution, Peace Child International, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, Ministry of Culture, Slovenian Tourist Board and SPIRIT Slovenia. "This is an example of cultural diplomacy in practice, where art is linked to education, international cooperation and advocacy," said Nataša Kos, Head of the Department for Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy. She added:  "Peace Child proves that culture is not merely an accompaniment to politics. It fosters opportunities and long-term partnerships that strengthen our society and instil lasting values of respect for human rights and solidarity within our economy. And finally, it shows that coexistence on this planet is possible."