As racism and xenophobia continue to rise in Cyprus and across Europe, it is more important than ever to stand together, and young people are at the forefront of organizing collective action for change.
In October, we gathered sixteen young people from different backgrounds in Pano Platres to connect, combine our voices, and organize against racism. Over 2.5 days, we listened, questioned, learned and unlearned, and imagined what antiracist action can look like in our communities.
We unpacked the roots of racism and coloniality, shared stories that are too often unheard, and implemented practical tools for advocacy and organizing. The motivation and solidarity in the room were a clear reminder of why this work is urgent, and why we need to do it together.
Thank you to every participant, facilitator, and guest speakers Corina Demetriou from Symfiliosi and Dr. Emmanuel Achiri from ENAR, who made this safe and engaging space possible. Your openness, curiosity, and commitment give us hope for the future we are building together.