Session Outline:
	The media has become an indispensable companion in our lives, and the most powerful tool in influencing public opinion and behavior. The role of television is increasingly replacing other forms of communication with the exception of ICT. From culture to culture, youth-led and youth-watched programs on TV are primarily limited to music and sports programs which have a tremendous influence on their language and behavior patterns. In contrast, other topics of major concern and interest to youth have not yet been sufficiently developed by major broadcasting channels. In addition, programs designed and run by youth that appeal to them are rarely given the chance to be aired during hours where youth are most likely to be watching them.
	Some of the most effective ways in which young people can help to bring an end to conflict is to encourage them to talk to airwaves, share their ideas and inject their voices in the public discourse. Through the media, they have the opportunity to infuse the art of peace in our cultures, our way of life and influence their own destiny.
Organization of Session:
	Youth Best Practices – Showcasing innovative practices of individual youth groups and youth organizations dedicated to utilizing the power of the media in building peace. We propose to have three speakers in this first part Discussions– Highlighting more youth-led initiatives, and giving participants the opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual concern and discuss ways to work together on joint actions. Outcomes of the Session – Adopting specific joint actions agreed upon during the discussions to counter the obstacles and harness the power of the media in building a Culture of Peace.
Youth Best Practices
	Through best practices, we seek to highlight the multiple roles being played by youth within the global media. Various speakers, representing different media forms, including newspapers, radio, magazines, television and film will be asked to recount their unique experiences through visual presentations.
Discussions
	This section aims to present the youth with the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, concerns and needs as peace builders. We invite youth participants to send us any questions they would like us address during the sessions in advance, in order to make sure they are covered by the Moderator.
Outcomes of the Session
	On a daily basis, we are bombarded by the media with stories and pictures of violence and despair. Notwithstanding the importance of highlighting these global realities, it is equally important to promote positive peace stories and messages. It is in this context that we propose to encourage participants of this session to use their talents as writers, photographers and filmmakers to work together on a project designed to develop and send inspiring stories and documentaries about youth promoting peace to leading newspapers, internet news sites and other publications worldwide. We propose to begin this venture by inviting participants to write about their International Youth Forum.
Voices for Peace Video
	During the Forum, the Movement plans to produce a video showcasing the potential and needs of youth attending the SMWIPM International Youth Forum in promoting peace. The film will capture some of the discussions in this session and will be strengthened with individual and group youth interviews and a message from the President of the Movement. A booth with a camera will be made available; in an effort to encourage youth can answer these two questions: What do we need to build peace? What can we do build peace?
	All participants attending this session, as well as the session 2: is the media youth friendly? Will be requested to participate in the realization of the video. The Movement will then be in charge of finalizing the video and making it available on the internet.
Common Project: Spread the Message of P…………eace!
	The SMWIPM’s International Youth Forum will present an opportunity for participants to build the partnerships and mobilize the resources that will enable them to implement their objectives for peace.
	We invite youth attending the Forum to think of innovative ideas for projects to “Spread the Message of Peace” throughout global societies. These ideas will be presented and discussed during the Forum sessions, where participants can agree on the possibility of implementing these projects in their respective communities. It is a chance to break free from the “status quo”, look outside the box and think of new and innovative ways together to achieve our common objectives for peace and prosperity.
	Participants wishing to present their projects should kindly fill out the SMWIPM Youth Project Idea.