Future’s Memory

A new regional collaboration has been launched that enables youth from conflict-affected communities in Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon to promote inclusive, peaceful societies. The program combines grassroots approaches with regional collaboration to combat sectarianism, strengthen social cohesion, and advance policy reforms aligned with UN Resolution 2250. Over two years, seven youth organizations will support 210 young leaders to implement tailored community initiatives. Central to the project is the creation of safe physical and digital spaces, connecting youth across fragmented geographies.

One of these initiatives is the Future’s Memory programme, led by Khazaaen, which equips Palestinian youth with skills in archiving, cultural preservation, and advocacy. Through a three-month programme featuring workshops, lectures, and hands-on training, participants transform historical materials into creative projects. Future’s Memory thus strengthens youth voices, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes resilience, ensuring Palestine’s rich legacy inspires future generations.

Shaping the future through cultural preservation

What is the problem?

Prolonged conflicts, political instability, and deep sectarian divisions have led to significant challenges in Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. Youth in these countries face limited opportunities for agency and meaningful participation. In Palestine, occupation and rights violations restrict youth expression and cultural preservation, while in Syria, ongoing violence and displacement hinder leadership development. Yemen’s social and economic crises make youth vulnerable to exploitation and radicalization, and Lebanon’s sectarian tensions leave many young people marginalized. These conditions have created a critical need for safe spaces and platforms where youth can engage, collaborate, and lead efforts for social cohesion, policy change, and cultural preservation.

What we think

We see the immense potential of youth in conflict-affected regions to be agents of change and peace. We believe that empowering young people through education, capacity building, and access to safe spaces is crucial for fostering inclusive societies. By providing these youth with the tools to challenge sectarianism, advocate for policy reforms, and preserve cultural heritage, we aim to create lasting peace and resilience in Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. We understand the complex dynamics of these regions and are committed to working alongside local grassroots organizations to support and amplify the voices of youth, ensuring their active involvement in shaping the future of their communities.

foto: Khazaaen

What we do

The “Future’s Memory” programme empowers Palestinian youth by offering intensive archival training that teaches them to document, preserve, and creatively reinterpret Palestine’s cultural heritage. The programme includes a comprehensive 50-hour course that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Participants are trained in archival techniques, learning how to preserve historical materials and transform them into creative projects. The project features specialized workshops, where youth work directly with archival collections, and inspiring lectures by prominent Palestinian artists and experts, who provide insights into the importance of cultural preservation. In addition, participants are guided in practical documentation skills, which they can apply to their communities. This project fosters connections among youth, cultural practitioners, and activists, promoting dialogue and collaboration to safeguard Palestinian history for future generations.

This programme is part of a larger initiative that supports seven grassroots organizations across Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen, building their capacity to engage 210 youth leaders who are trained and mentored to implement initiatives that promote peace, inclusivity, and social cohesion. We create safe spaces – both physical and digital – where youth can engage in dialogue, share ideas, and develop strategies to overcome sectarianism and violence. These spaces also facilitate regional collaboration and provide a platform for youth to advocate for policy reforms aligned with UN Resolution 2250. Additionally, a joint governance structure ensures cross-national knowledge exchange and collective action, with youth directly involved in decision-making processes.

What we want to achieve

Through our regional project and the “Future’s Memory” initiative, we aim to empower youth in Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon to become active leaders in fostering peaceful and inclusive societies. By equipping young people with the skills to advocate for social cohesion, combat sectarianism, and preserve their cultural heritage, we are working to lay the foundation for sustainable peace and regional solidarity.