In May 2025, a youth worker from Hungary, representing the NGO Kreatív Ifjúsági Akadémia Magyarország, joined an international Erasmus+ training in Yerevan, Armenia, titled “Fostering Peace Through IT Solutions.” The project brought together youth workers from different countries to explore how information technology can be used as a tool for promoting dialogue, understanding, and conflict transformation. In a world where digital spaces can spread both connection and division, the training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to create online environments that encourage collaboration rather than conflict.
In Hungary, the rise of online communication has changed the way people connect, learn, and share ideas. Social media and messaging platforms have become central to public conversation, especially for younger generations. While these tools offer opportunities for networking and innovation, they also present serious challenges. Hate speech, political polarization, and cyberbullying have increased tensions within communities. Many young people encounter hostile online environments without having the skills to navigate them safely. The need for constructive dialogue and digital literacy is stronger than ever, making the training’s focus deeply relevant to the Hungarian context.
The experience in Yerevan was both inspiring and practical. The training combined expert-led workshops on digital peace campaigns, online mediation techniques, and collaborative stakeholder engagement with interactive project labs. Participants worked in diverse teams to design and test prototypes such as anti-hate speech chatbots, educational games, and virtual platforms for cross-cultural exchange. These projects were not just theoretical exercises but solutions that could be adapted and implemented in real communities.
One of the most powerful parts of the program was the series of site visits to Armenian NGOs and start-ups. These organizations demonstrated how technology can bridge divides and support inclusion. For example, one local initiative used an online platform to connect isolated rural communities with urban cultural programs, fostering a sense of belonging. Another developed interactive storytelling tools to help young people share personal experiences of overcoming conflict. Seeing these examples in action showed how creativity and technology could work together to promote understanding, even in complex situations.
After returning to Hungary, the youth worker developed an initiative called “Peace Online,” directly inspired by the training. The project’s goal was to create a safe and inclusive digital space where young people could learn conflict resolution skills, practice respectful online communication, and collaborate on social projects. The platform combined educational resources on digital literacy and cybersecurity with interactive forums for discussion and joint problem-solving. It also included mentorship opportunities, connecting youth with experienced facilitators who could guide conversations and mediate disputes.
The launch of “Peace Online” had a significant impact on local communities. Schools and youth centers began using the platform as a complementary tool for teaching responsible digital behavior. Young participants reported feeling more confident in handling online disagreements and more willing to engage with people from different backgrounds. The initiative also sparked collaborations between different organizations, bringing together educators, community leaders, and tech experts to address online safety and respectful communication in a coordinated way.
The influence of the project went beyond direct participants. By promoting a culture of respectful dialogue online, it contributed to shifting attitudes about how digital spaces should function. It showed that technology does not have to be a source of division but can be a powerful driver for connection, empathy, and peacebuilding. The work of Kreatív Ifjúsági Akadémia Magyarország gained recognition among other NGOs and local authorities, opening doors for partnerships and future international collaborations.
Looking forward, the aim is to expand “Peace Online” into a regional network, enabling young people from different countries to share perspectives and work together on cross-border initiatives. This would allow them to address not only local issues but also global challenges, from climate change to human rights, through constructive and inclusive dialogue.
The Erasmus+ training in Yerevan proved that when youth workers are empowered with the right tools, knowledge, and mindset, they can create meaningful change in both online and offline spaces. In today’s interconnected world, where conflicts can spread as quickly as information, building digital bridges is not just an opportunity—it is a necessity. The future of peacebuilding will depend on the ability to use technology with empathy, responsibility, and vision, ensuring that the next generation grows up in a world where communication leads to understanding, and differences become a source of strength rather than division.