With the goal of improving social cohesion and understanding between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities, UNFICYP sponsored the Cities4Peace Mindful Leadership program to empower community change-makers from both communities to enhance their mental wellbeing and build their leadership capacity to develop innovative ways to promote peace and social harmony on the island. The project was implemented in close collaboration with a local bi-communal women’s organization, Hands Across the Divide (HAD).

From March to June of 2022, the Cities4Peace team customized and delivered two peacebuilding workshops that were attended by twenty women leaders from both sides of the conflict. The participants were selected based on the diversity of their experience, professional background, and more importantly, their desire to be part of the solution by becoming a trusted bridge for the Cypriots on the island. 

The training program consisted of IAHV’s evidence-based SKY breath and meditation practice to develop inner resilience and improve mental wellbeing. In addition, through interactive discussions and group processes, the program enabled participants to develop systems thinking and build trusted networks. Each participant was subsequently inspired to create and deliver a service project that would further promote peace and social harmony, and make a positive difference to at least 50 individuals using the wisdom that they gained during the training.

The Cities4Peace training seeks to empower participants through personal transformation and capacity building. Therefore, it is important to know the experience of our participants about the program. Here are some of the testimonials after completing our 8-week program.