We are proud to announce that our very own Mahdi has been named a recipient of the Bremen Peace Award 2026. This prestigious recognition was highlighted by Dr. Benjamin Peters during the University of Michigan’s Global Engagement Symposium, marking a historic moment for Peace of Art International.

A Growing Global Partnership

This award celebrates the success of our ongoing partnership with the Global Scholars Program (GSP) at the University of Michigan. Now in its second consecutive year, this collaboration bridges the gap between grassroots activism and academic excellence.

Mentorship in Action: Under Mahdi’s leadership, Peace of Art International mentors students within the GSP, providing them with real-world insights into humanitarian work and peacebuilding.

A Living-Learning Community: The GSP brings together students from over 36 countries to tackle critical global issues through dialogue and collaboration.

December 27, 2025 - Peace of Art organized a Winter Souk that brought together local producers and artisans from Ain, Al-Fakeha, and surrounding towns. The market provided a space for community members to showcase handmade and homemade products, including soaps, accessories, wax-made items, and a variety of desserts, snacks, and food. A key highlight of the Souk was the traditional carpets of Al-Fakeha, which reflected the town’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. This activity is supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund and the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals, as well as France (via a voluntary contribution to the Lebanon PCPD special account).

Through this initiative, Peace of Art aimed to support local livelihoods, especially those led by women and young people, encourage creativity, and strengthen community connections by celebrating both art and tradition.

On January 16, Peace of Art convened WARD’s (Working Assembly for Rights and Dialogue) first online coordination meeting of 2026, uniting national and local civil society leaders to align strategies for the year ahead. In a landscape defined by shrinking funding and regional crises, the session marked a critical shift from individual survival toward collective resilience.

Key Outcomes for 2026:

Operational Alignment: Reaffirming WARD’s role as a central hub to help NGOs navigate increasing regional pressures.

Intelligence Sharing: Launching new tools for funding intelligence and structured communication to speed up resource delivery.

Thematic Focus: Establishing two new Working Groups to tackle humanitarian and developmental challenges through shared expertise.

On February 12, 2026, Peace of Art welcomed UNESCO for a milestone visit to review our ongoing collaboration and witness the tangible impact of our joint initiatives.

Showcasing Talent & Tradition

The visit highlighted the incredible skill and dedication behind two of our flagship projects:

Carpet Weaving: Preserving traditional craftsmanship while providing sustainable livelihoods.

Photovoice: Using the lens of a camera to empower local voices and tell stories of community resilience.

A Partnership for the Future

This exchange allowed us to share vital insights and refine our strategies for the year ahead. By combining UNESCO’s global expertise with PeaceofArt’s grassroots creative approach, we are strengthening our commitment to an empowered, art-driven future for Lebanon. 🕊️🤝

Peace of Art recently concluded its Youth Leadership Program, a transformative initiative that successfully empowered a new cohort of young changemakers across the Bekaa region.

By moving beyond traditional education, the program focused on turning potential into tangible community action through several key development pillars:

Public Speaking & Advocacy: Participants mastered the art of communication, gaining the confidence to voice regional issues and present solutions to stakeholders.

Strategic Leadership: The curriculum focused on project management and the practical steps required to turn grassroots ideas into impactful community projects.

Civic Networking: The program served as a vital bridge, connecting motivated peers and established local leaders to foster a long-term support network within the Bekaa.

Professional Certification: Each graduate received a certificate, formalizing their growth and enhancing their professional profiles for future career opportunities.

Through this initiative, Peace of Art has reinforced its commitment to ensuring that the next generation of Lebanese leaders is not just ready to speak, but ready to lead.

In line with our commitment to a stable Lebanon, Peace of Art’s Executive Director, Mr. Ibrahim Yahya, participated in a national roundtable focused on socio-economic reform.

Organized by the Ministry of Economy and Trade, in partnership with the LFPCP and the Norwegian Embassy, the session was a key part of the "National Policy Dialogues for Reform" project.

Our Goal: To strengthen the connection between civil society and decision-makers, ensuring community voices drive national policy and sustainable change. 🇱🇧🤝

On International Women’s Day, we honor the women across Lebanon whose strength and resilience keep our society moving forward. Even in the face of adversity, their determination ensures that care and solidarity continue to flourish.

From the community leaders to the quiet heroes, we celebrate the women who:

Lead with courage.

Rebuild with hope.

Inspire change every single day.

To the women of Lebanon: your spirit is our greatest source of hope. Happy International Women's Day!

Humanity is our first choice.

Amidst the ongoing displacement and the challenges facing our nation, Peace of Art remains committed to the frontlines of compassion. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission—giving without pause and working tirelessly to turn pain into hope. 🌱

We extend our support to every family affected by the current crisis, ensuring that solidarity defines this difficult chapter.