An international gathering in turbulent times

From 7–17 September 2025, more than thirty young leaders from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia gathered in Indonesia for a JISRA Cross-Country Learning Youth Exchange on Digital Safety and Human Rights. Organized by Mensen met een Missie and its Indonesian partners Gusdurian Network, PeaceGen, Interfidei, and Imparsial, the exchange focused on one of today’s most urgent challenges: polarization and radicalization in the digital space. For ten days, participants shared their experiences, learned from each other’s best practices, and engaged directly with governments and embassies on how to promote human rights and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in the online world. 

Shared lessons and lived experiences 

The exchange revealed the harsh realities that youth face online. Social media and gaming platforms are increasingly used for spreading narratives of hate, for intimidating activists, and recruiting new members into extremist groups. As Phyllis Muema from Kenya, observed, online spaces can easily be turned into tools of division and intimidation – but she stressed that “they should instead be strengthened and supported, so young people can shape them into spaces for dialogue and positive change.” At the same time, female participants highlighted how hate speech is often gendered, justifying restrictions on women’s rights and even normalizing violence. 

But alongside these challenges came inspiration. Youth discovered how organizations like the Gusdurian Network are flipping fear-based extremist messaging into hopeful counter-narratives, and how PeaceGen uses games and creative media to foster tolerance and digital literacy. Participants also exchanged examples of what works in their specific contexts. They saw that combining online activism with offline initiatives – such as linking social media campaigns with community radio, local TV or school-based programs – makes efforts against polarization and radicalization far more effective. 

Policy dialogue and recognition 

A hallmark of this exchange was the direct access to policymakers. Representatives from four Indonesian ministries – Foreign Affairs, Religious Affairs, Education, and the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) – joined the sessions. The Dutch Ambassador in Jakarta formally opened the event, and the EU Delegation’s active participation underscored the international importance of the discussions. Youth also engaged with the Indonesian National Commission on Violence Against Women, embassies from Japan and Kenya, and other international institutions. 

Marc Gerritsen, Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, captured the significance: “Understanding the threat of radicalism, polarization, and hate speech in the digital world for young people is very important. Developing youth resilience through intercultural networking, digital peace promotion, and creative engagement is key to designing innovative strategies for peace and digital security.” 

For many participants, this was their first time sitting across the table from government officials. As Burundian participant Spageon Ngabo reflected: “Usually we rarely meet directly with policymakers. Here, we could present our experiences, and they listened carefully.” 

The Asia-Africa Youth Declaration

The exchange culminated in the presentation and endorsement of the Asia-Africa Youth Declaration on Digital Safety and Human Rights. In it, the youth called for: 

• Stronger digital literacy and alternative narrative training for youth, with attention to gender equality and inclusion. 

• Implementation of international frameworks such as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, UNSCR 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, and the newly adopted UN HRC 58 resolution on the protection of human rights defenders from the challenges of emerging technologies – adapted to local contexts. 

• Collaboration between governments, civil society, and tech companies to ensure digital platforms are safe, inclusive, and accountable. 

• Sustained international investment in youth-led peacebuilding and cross-country exchanges. 

This declaration was presented directly to policymakers and embassies in Jakarta, amplifying the demands of young leaders at both national and international levels. 

Networks and hopeful narratives for the future 

One of the strongest outcomes of the exchange was the new networks formed across borders. Participants built friendships and professional alliances that they plan to continue online, sharing experiences and supporting each other’s initiatives. They committed to stay connected through digital platforms, coordinate joint campaigns on FoRB and digital safety, and create a shared resource hub where youth can exchange tools, strategies, and stories. Several cross-country collaborations were already envisioned. Nigerian participants, for example, saw potential in adapting Indonesian game-based peace education. Muhammad Habila Kudu: “The gamification approach here feels fresh and easier to understand than traditional seminars. I can see how such creative methods might also inspire initiatives back home.” Similarly, youth from Burundi and the DRC envisioned linking their media collectives with Indonesian partners to strengthen alternative narratives across continents. 

This spirit of long-term collaboration ensures that the exchange will not remain a one-time event, but a starting point for a living, international youth network committed to countering polarization and building inclusive digital spaces. Indonesian participant Annisa Rizkyta emphasized the equality of the dialogue, noting: “Everyone could contribute equally, without one side dominating. Policymakers and youth spoke on the same level, and every voice was heard.” 

These stories show that youth are not only asking for a seat at the table – they are reshaping the table itself, offering new narratives of belonging, meaning, and peace. 

Youth as authors of new narratives 

The Youth Exchange in Indonesia was not just an event; it was proof that when young leaders are trusted and supported, they generate solutions that are creative, inclusive, and globally relevant. They return home with new skills, networks, and inspiration to transform their digital and local communities. 

At Mensen met een Missie, we stand alongside these young leaders. This international exchange confirmed that digital spaces are crucial for peacebuilding: they are arenas where polarization and radicalization will grow if we do not act to challenge hateful narratives, defend rights, and create connection. That is precisely why it is so urgent to support young people who transform these digital environments into spaces of dialogue and peace. And when online initiatives are linked with offline work – in classrooms and youth centers, on radio and television, and at negotiation tables – they can drive lasting change. We remain committed to supporting youth who bridge these worlds, so their networks can counter polarization and build inclusive, just communities.