Mahdi Yahya Named Laureate of the International Bremen Peace Award 2026
Peace of Art International is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Mahdi Yahya, has been selected as a laureate of the International Bremen Peace Award 2026, presented by the Schwelle Foundation in Germany. He is recognized in the category of Pioneering Peace Work, honoring his long-standing commitment to peacebuilding through art, education, and dialogue.
This prestigious award, presented every two years, highlights individuals and initiatives that make significant contributions to peace, justice, and human rights worldwide. The 2026 award will be officially presented on May 8, 2026, at the historic Bremen Town Hall in Bremen, Germany. (Die Schwelle)
Recognizing Peacebuilding Through Art
Mahdi Yahya was selected for his innovative and impactful approach to peacebuilding in Lebanon through the work of Peace of Art International. Since founding the organization in 2016, he has created spaces where young people and communities can engage in dialogue, reconciliation, and nonviolent conflict resolution—often in regions deeply affected by social division and conflict.
Through creative practices including music, theater, photography, film, and sports, Peace of Art fosters connection across religious, cultural, and social boundaries. The organization addresses critical issues such as discrimination, sectarianism, radicalization, and gender-based violence, while empowering youth to express themselves and become agents of positive change.
To date, Peace of Art has reached thousands of young people, women, and marginalized communities through hundreds of workshops, dialogue sessions, and initiatives both in Lebanon and internationally.
A Message of Hope in Challenging Times
This recognition comes at a time when Lebanon continues to face significant challenges. In awarding Mahdi Yahya, the Schwelle Foundation emphasized the importance of cultural and grassroots initiatives in promoting peaceful coexistence, particularly in contexts marked by conflict and instability.
The foundation highlighted how art and culture can open pathways toward dialogue and understanding, especially among young people, and how inclusive approaches to peacebuilding help counter exclusion, radicalization, and violence.
A Collective Achievement
Mahdi Yahya views this award as a shared recognition:
“This recognition is not only for me, but for all the artists, young people, children, and communities who are part of Peace of Art. It is a strong affirmation that our work for peace and dignity can create real and lasting change.”
The award reflects the collective efforts of the Peace of Art team, its partners, and the many individuals who have contributed to building bridges across divides.
Looking Ahead
The Bremen Peace Award ceremony will bring together international peacebuilders, organizations, and supporters committed to advancing dialogue and nonviolent solutions to conflict. It will also provide a platform for awardees to present their work and share their experiences with a global audience.
As Peace of Art International continues its mission, this recognition serves as both an encouragement and a responsibility to expand its impact and deepen its commitment to peacebuilding through creativity, education, and inclusive dialogue.
About Peace of Art International
Peace of Art International is a grassroots organization founded in Lebanon in 2016. It works at the intersection of art, education, and social impact to promote peace, coexistence, and youth empowerment across communities affected by conflict and division.
About the Bremen Peace Award
The International Bremen Peace Award, presented by the Schwelle Foundation, honors individuals and initiatives that contribute to peaceful coexistence, social justice, and human dignity worldwide.
