Each year, selected students and young professionals in Rwanda come together to participate in PBI for lifelong learning and skills that will help them become peace ambassadors in their respective communities by creating peace initiatives in their local communities and working for global peace.

During PBI, students and young professionals explore topics such as transitional justice and good governance and engage in intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, analysis of complex problems, and problem-solving. They also have the opportunity to visit various memorials and cultural sites to learn more about Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction efforts.

In line with this, in July 2022, Never Again Rwanda held an international edition of PBI that brought together 21 university students and young professionals from various countries to learn more about peacebuilding and its related aspects and how together they can shape the world towards sustainable peace.

In his opening remarks, the executive director of Never Again Rwanda urged them to use this opportunity not only to contribute to a peaceful community but also to help solve global challenges. He noted, “The world will only resolve the issues in peacebuilding, if it invests in young people – you are the hope of our world and the generations to come.”

After participating in the PBI, participants committed to using the skills learned to gain momentum as peacebuilders in their respective communities, as most of them come from conflict and complex environments. For example, Elizabeth Kinta Gomes from The Gambia emphasized that PBI reminded her of a responsibility to stand up for other women and girls who face challenges in their communities and around the world. “I have a responsibility not only to inspire myself but also to be an advocate for other women from grassroots levels who are facing diverse challenges.” Gomez works at Peace Hub Gambia, one of the organizations that were founded by young people after graduating from PBI.

David Traugott from the United States also highlighted this, noting that after PBI he would be interested in applying peace-building skills by working with communities in Africa and in underserved communities around the world. “I understand that more representatives and active peace actors are needed, especially in countries most vulnerable to genocide and other atrocities.”

Arusia Lopir Babel from South Sudan also noted that the PBI was an opportunity for him to learn the strategies and methods used to stabilize the country from the 1994 genocide against Tutsis to a peaceful country. He further noted, “I will share my experience of reconciliation efforts in Rwanda so that they can be integrated into the context of my country, which is still struggling with peace insecurity and instability.”

Since the inception of the PBI in 2011, it has hosted more than 350 from 26 countries around the world. Never Again Rwanda believes that more young people should learn from Rwanda’s recovery process so that they can become peace ambassadors and contribute toward lasting peace.