In May 2025, the Armenian State University of Economics hosted the Erasmus+ project “Fostering Peace Through IT Solutions,” bringing together youth workers from different countries to explore how technology can be a tool for dialogue, trust, and stability. The training took place in Yerevan, a city rich in culture and history, and aimed to equip participants with modern digital skills to promote peacebuilding and conflict transformation. The project’s vision was clear: to connect theory and practice, combining knowledge about peace processes with hands-on IT skills that could be applied in communities worldwide.
In Armenia, the digital space has grown quickly, offering both opportunities and challenges. On one side, online platforms have given people new ways to communicate, share information, and connect with others. On the other side, misinformation, hate speech, and online conflicts have sometimes created deeper divisions between groups. Before the training, many peace-focused initiatives already existed in Armenia, but they often lacked strong digital tools and strategies to reach broader audiences. The need for more structured, technology-driven approaches to promote understanding and cooperation was becoming increasingly clear.
The course in Yerevan offered a unique opportunity to address these gaps. Trainers led sessions on promoting digital literacy for peacebuilding, developing conflict resolution strategies for online environments, and strengthening cyber-security awareness to protect communities from digital threats. The program also encouraged innovation, guiding participants to design and pitch IT-based projects that could be implemented in their own countries. These sessions combined expert knowledge with practical exercises, creating a learning environment that was both inspiring and action-oriented.
One of the most impactful experiences was the hands-on project labs. Working in diverse, multicultural teams, participants developed prototypes of digital solutions aimed at reducing conflict and promoting dialogue. Some groups worked on creating chatbots that could respond to hate speech, while others designed virtual platforms for youth dialogue or educational games focused on tolerance. Each project received immediate feedback from peers and mentors, allowing ideas to grow and improve in real time.
The visits to local NGOs and start-ups in Yerevan were equally inspiring. These organizations were already using technology in creative ways to address social issues, from online storytelling platforms that promote empathy to virtual classrooms that connect rural and urban youth. Seeing these projects in action made it clear that digital tools, when used thoughtfully, can bridge divides and bring communities closer together.
Returning to the Armenian State University of Economics, the participant from Armenia felt determined to apply the lessons learned. A new initiative, “Digital Bridges for Peace,” was launched to train young people in digital communication, online conflict resolution, and safe internet practices. The program created a local online platform where young people from different backgrounds could engage in respectful dialogue, share community stories, and collaborate on social projects. The platform also hosted webinars and training sessions led by experts, making it a continuous learning space for peacebuilding skills.
The impact of this initiative became visible quickly. Young participants started using the skills to launch their own small projects, such as online campaigns promoting kindness, community podcasts, and intercultural exchange events. Schools began to integrate the platform into their extracurricular activities, and community leaders noticed a shift in how young people interacted online—moving from confrontation to cooperation.
The project also fostered stronger networks between Armenian youth and their peers abroad. Through the connections built during the Erasmus+ training, “Digital Bridges for Peace” partnered with similar initiatives in other countries, enabling cross-border collaborations. This exchange of ideas and experiences enriched the program and gave Armenian youth a sense of being part of a larger, global movement for peace.
Looking forward, the vision is to expand the initiative into a regional hub for digital peacebuilding in the South Caucasus. By connecting more communities and offering continuous skill development, the Armenian State University of Economics aims to ensure that technology becomes a uniting force rather than a dividing one. The Erasmus+ project proved that when young people are given the right tools and guidance, they can reshape the digital world into a place of respect, dialogue, and hope.
The journey in Yerevan was more than a training program—it was a starting point for lasting change. It showed that peace in the digital age is not only possible but within reach, as long as young people are empowered to take the lead and create solutions that reflect the values of unity, understanding, and collaboration.