Slovenia with young people for peace: the international musical Peace Child connects art and diplomacy

Working with mentors at the Summer Orchestra Camp, the young people will create the musical Peace Child, a moving story about the power of cooperation, dialogue and a shared vision of the future. A special feature of the project is that the young people co-create the story themselves, discussing the key challenges of our time: from the importance of the UN, reform of global governance, climate change and peace processes to questions that speak to them personally: love, solidarity, division and hope.

As part of the project, an international youth forum on the involvement of young people in global governance will be held at Brdo pri Kranju on 22 August, where the young people will present their views and solutions directly to decision-makers, diplomats and experts. It will be an opportunity for honest dialogue about the future of the world and the role of young people in shaping it, based on the UN Declaration on Future Generations.

The highlight of the Slovenian part of the project will be on 23 August at Križanke, as part of the Ljubljana Festival, when the musical will be presented to the wider public for the first time. The international presentation follows on 23 October at the Vienna Konzerthaus on the eve of United Nations Day, with a clear message to the world that Slovenia believes in the power of culture, dialogue and young people as bearers of peace. Because culture and the economy are inseparably intertwined and together create a powerful diplomatic tool that increases Slovenia's visibility, competitiveness and international reputation, both concerts in Ljubljana and Vienna will be preceded by two business forums, organised by SPIRIT Slovenija and partners, with leading business figures, artists and diplomats who believe in the power of cooperation for a better future for humanity. The entire event will also be broadcast at the World Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan, in the United Nations pavilion under Slovenian sponsorship through the public agency SPIRIT Slovenija.

“SIT DOWN – Peace Child is not just a musical, but a movement that enables young people to speak out loudly, wholeheartedly and creatively about the world they wish for. In a year when Slovenia is serving the second year of its term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and as we celebrate the organisation's 80th anniversary, this is a powerful message about our commitment to peace, multilateralism and inclusive diplomacy,” stressed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, on assuming honorary patronage.

The SIT DOWN – Peace Child in Concert project is living proof that cultural and science diplomacy can transcend borders, build trust and inspire joint action for peace. Slovenia remains committed to offering young people a space where their voices resonate both at home and around the world.

The project brings together partners from Slovenia and abroad, from government institutions to non-governmental organisations: the Slovenian Youth Orchestra, Cultural Association ART BSA, Peace Child International, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Culture, the Slovenian Tourist Board and SPIRIT Slovenija. “This is an example of cultural diplomacy in practice, where art connects with education, international cooperation and advocacy,” said mag. Nataša Kos, Head of the Cultural and Science Diplomacy Department, adding: “Peace Child is proof that culture is not merely a companion to politics, but a creator of opportunities and long-term partnerships that strengthen our society, give the economy lasting values of respect for human rights and solidarity, and prove that coexistence on this planet is possible.”