“Is Peace Optional?” is a youth led peacebuilding initiative at NUML Islamabad designed to advance SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting conflict prevention, peaceful communication, and community harmony. The project focuses on reducing interpersonal and digital conflicts among students, empowering youth with emotional intelligence, and raising awareness about the broader issues of violence and injustice in society.
The project began with the formation of a motivated volunteer group of 10 students. On 15 September, the first major Orientation Session was held at the Pakistan Studies Department, attended by 50–70 students and 10–20 faculty members. This session introduced the Millennium Fellowship, SDG 16, and the vision of the project.
The second event, an Awareness Session on 23 October, brought together 60–80 students to discuss practical ways to prevent and resolve conflicts. The session focused on empathy, respectful communication, responsible digital behavior, and preventing misunderstandings—both online and offline.
As part of the community outreach component, I also visited an Old Age Home to engage with elderly residents and inquire about domestic violence, emotional neglect, and family-based conflicts. These conversations highlighted the hidden realities of violence faced by older people and connected the project with real world issues beyond campus. This experience deepened the project’s impact by expanding the understanding of peace and justice across generations.
Overall, “Voices of Unity” became a meaningful platform for dialogue, awareness, and behaviour change, encouraging students and community members to become ambassadors of peace and contribute to a safer, more just society