Nicosia, Cyprus. Education was presented as a practical confidence-building measure at a diplomatic briefing this week at the Home for Cooperation in Nicosia, attended by ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions.
Briefing hosted by German ambassador and AHDR
The event was hosted by German ambassador Hans Peter-Jugel and Loizos Loukaide, director of the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR), and focused on the role of education in fostering trust and dialogue, with emphasis on the bicommunal peace education programme Imagine.
Peter-Jugel described Imagine as “confidence-building in action”, saying its impact lies in sustained engagement rather than symbolism. He said the programme’s strength is rooted in “the trust AHDR has built across communities, even during politically challenging periods”, adding that “by working together, we can ensure this programme continues to contribute meaningfully to trust-building and to the long-term prospects of peace on this island”.
Programme status, aims and funding
The briefing provided an update on the current status, achievements and future direction of Imagine, which brings together Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot students through workshops on peace education, anti-racism and human rights.
The programme operates under the auspices of the technical educational committee and is funded by the German federal foreign office.
Civil society and teachers’ roles
AHDR co-president Kyriakos Pachoulides told participants that civil society must remain “at the forefront of change, especially when things get stalled”, and said Imagine continues despite political obstacles because “its role is to create bottom-up opportunities to build bridges through education”.
Co-president Hale Silifkeli said teachers play a central role and that their sustained participation has been crucial in keeping the programme active over the years.
School participation procedures and UN criticism
Earlier this month, the education ministry issued long-delayed circulars to public schools outlining procedures for participation, after assuring that the information would be released in January.
The UN office of the high commissioner for human rights has criticised the lack of progress, describing Imagine as “the only mechanism in Cyprus that has successfully brought together more than 8,200 students and 2,560 teachers from both communities”.
What steps do you think could help expand participation in the Imagine programme across public schools?
