Narratives of Peace: Innovating Conflict Resolution through Digital Storytelling

“Narratives of Peace: Innovating Conflict Resolution through Digital Storytelling” is an Erasmus+ mobility of youth workers project coordinated by the International Alliance for Integration and Sustainability (IAIS). The project explores how digital storytelling can be used as a creative and effective tool for conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment.

The project recognises the power of personal stories to influence how people understand conflict, identity, culture, and other communities. By combining digital media skills with non-formal education and conflict-resolution approaches, participants are encouraged to transform personal experiences and perspectives into meaningful stories that can promote empathy, understanding, and dialogue.

The project is structured in two stages. The first stage is an online training phase focused on the foundations of digital storytelling, the basics of conflict resolution, and preparation for the physical mobility. Participants develop an understanding of storytelling techniques while exploring how narratives can contribute to positive social change and peaceful communication.

The second stage takes place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 13–19 July 2026. Participants put their learning into practice through storytelling exercises, digital content creation, group work, simulations, presentations, and evaluation. The training provides opportunities to develop practical skills in video, sound, narrative development, and other forms of digital storytelling while connecting these skills with conflict resolution and intercultural communication.

Throughout the project, participants from different European and neighbouring countries exchange experiences and perspectives, creating an international learning environment. The intercultural dimension of the project encourages participants to understand how different communities experience and interpret conflict while discovering shared experiences and opportunities for cooperation.

The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to use digital tools within their everyday youth work. Participants can apply the storytelling methods and conflict-resolution approaches gained through the training to workshops, awareness campaigns, community activities, and other initiatives within their local organisations.

Ultimately, “Narratives of Peace” seeks to demonstrate how digital storytelling can become more than a form of creative expression. By giving young people and youth workers the skills to tell, share, and listen to meaningful stories, the project aims to challenge stereotypes, encourage empathy, strengthen intercultural understanding, and contribute to more peaceful and inclusive communities.