International Association of Youth and Students for Peace | Europe and Middle East

What International Association of Youth and Students for Peace | Europe and Middle East does

The International Association of Youth and Students for Peace – Europe and Middle East (IAYSP EUME) is a Vienna-headquartered non-profit youth NGO established in 2018 as a regional chapter of IAYSP International (founded 2017 by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon). IAYSP EUME delivers peace education, leadership training, and policy engagement programs for youth aged 16-30 across more than 20 European and Middle Eastern countries, leveraging its UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status (granted 2022) to organize official side events at UN Vienna and Geneva. Core programs include the Peace Designer Training (PDT), a structured Design Thinking-based curriculum covering individual, community, and environmental peace; S!NERGY, a multi-tiered competition platform for SDG-aligned youth projects with grant funding; and chapter-led activities across regional hubs in the Balkans (YSP Balkan, led from Pristina) and Lebanon (YSP Lebanon, Beirut). The organization also runs EU co-funded Erasmus+ projects including INNOV8PEACE, YDDAP, and A Peace to Share, alongside the Peace Cup 2026 sports and culture festival.

IAYSP EUME operates a hybrid community-led and event-driven go-to-market model: recruitment flows through university partnerships (UBT, University of Tetovo), partner NGO networks, and UN-conference attendance, while programs are delivered through local chapters, Erasmus+ partner networks, and institutional forums. The underlying technology is primarily methodological — the Peace Designer Training adapts Stanford d.school's human-centered design, IDEO's innovation focus, the Double Diamond process, and Lean Startup's iterative cycles into a three-phase framework (Understand, Explore, Put into Practice). The S!NERGY platform functions as a self-serve online submission system with live presentation judging at regional events. The proprietary content library (PDT Handbook, Toolkit, Workbook, Seeds of Peace) is available in English and German, with registered logos for YSP, Peace Designer, and S!NERGY branding.

The revenue model is non-commercial and relies on three streams: EU Erasmus+ Programme grants (the largest funding source across active projects), individual/organizational donations structured in tiers (€50 Peace Designer, €150 Trainer, €300 Project), and semi-autonomous chapter contributions. Outcome metrics indicate meaningful programmatic reach: 732-743 community members impacted through INNOV8PEACE, 96 PDT graduates from a single cohort, 32 young leaders in YDDAP, and 200+ expected Peace Cup participants. The organization is part of the broader UPF Ambassadors for Peace network of 100,000+ across 160 countries, positioning it within a global ecosystem that enables cross-border youth collaboration and international policy engagement.

Name

International Association of Youth and Students for Peace | Europe and Middle East

Legal name

International Association of Youth and Students for Peace

Website

https://yspeace.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

IAYSP EUME is a Vienna-based non-profit youth NGO delivering peace education, Design Thinking training, and UN policy engagement programs for youth aged 16-30 across 20+ European and Middle Eastern countries, funded primarily by EU Erasmus+ grants and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Peace Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Erasmus+ and Government-Sponsored Exchange Partnerships (EDAIABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Inclusive Education (Disability, Gender Equity, Marginalized Learners) (BPADAKAI), Refugee, Crisis & Humanitarian Education Partnerships (EiE) (EDADALAG), Education, Skills & Workforce Development Aid Programs (BPADABAE), Intergovernmental Education Cooperation & Bilateral/Multilateral Programs (EDADALAA)

Keywords

• Youth peace education
• Peacebuilding training programs
• Sustainable development advocacy
• Youth leadership development
• Intercultural dialogue programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: Individual and organizational donations supporting youth peace programs. Donation tiers fund specific program elements: €300 sponsors a Peace Designer Project, €150 sponsors a Peace Designer Trainer, €50 sponsors a new Peace Designer. Additional ad-hoc donations accepted via card and bank transfer.
2. EU Erasmus+ Programme Grants: Co-funding from European Union Erasmus+ programme for youth mobility and development projects. Multiple active projects: INNOV8PEACE (Small-Scale Partnership, KA210-YOU), YDDAP (KA152-YOU youth exchange), and A Peace to Share (KA210-YOU). Provides bulk of operational funding for regional programming.
3. Chapter Contributions: Chapters across Europe and Middle East operate semi-autonomously and contribute to regional activities. Regional team coordinates cross-border programs, UN engagement, and S!NERGY events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

IAYSP EUME delivers peace education and leadership programs for youth aged 16-30 across Europe and the Middle East through its Peace Designer Training curriculum and S!NERGY project competition platform. It also runs EU Erasmus+ co-funded youth exchange projects (INNOV8PEACE, YDDAP, A Peace to Share), UN side events, and the Peace Cup sports and culture festival, providing structured pathways from training to funded community peace projects. All programming is anchored in the RISE values framework and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Product overview

IAYSP Europe and Middle East is a youth NGO with Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC that offers a portfolio of interconnected peace-building programs. The core offerings include the Peace Designer Training (PDT) program, which teaches Design Thinking methodology for peace projects, and S!NERGY, a global platform for youth to showcase SDG-aligned projects. The organization runs EU-funded projects including INNOV8PEACE and YDDAP, organizes Youth Forums and UN Conferences, and operates the Peace Cup 2026 sports festival. Additional programs include the Youth Heroes' Award and Youth Ambassadors for Peace network. These programs are unified by the RISE values framework (Responsibility, Integrity, Service, Empathy) and support advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Peace Designer Training: Training program that empowers young people to create positive change in their communities through design thinking methodology
• S!NERGY
• Peace Cup
• Youth Heroes' Award
• Youth Ambassadors for Peace

Products and services

• Peace Designer Training (PDT) Comprehensive training program empowering young people aged 16-30 to design and implement peace projects in their communities. Teaches Design Thinking methodology adapted for peacebuilding, covering individual, community, and environmental levels of sustainable peace, and integrates the RISE values and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• S!NERGY Global platform where students and young individuals present projects and ideas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Features live presentations judged by panels, with winners receiving grants to support their initiatives, operating at local, national, regional, and global tiers.
• Youth Forums and UN Conferences Platforms for youth empowerment providing opportunities to engage with policy-making bodies and participate in discussions at the United Nations and other international institutions, including commemorations of International Youth Day, International Day of Peace, and International Volunteer Day.
• INNOV8PEACE EU Erasmus+ Small-Scale Partnership project (KA210-YOU) promoting active youth participation in democratic life through Design Thinking and non-formal education. Implemented over 15 months with University of Tetova and RO CARP, reaching communities in Austria, Romania, and North Macedonia.
• YDDAP (Youth Democracy and Digital Advocacy Program) Erasmus+ KA152-YOU funded youth exchange programme empowering youth as changemakers in democratic life and digital civic engagement, with institutional visits to UN Vienna, Austrian Parliament, and Austrian Red Cross.
• A Peace to Share (APTS) Erasmus+ KA210-YOU Small-Scale Partnership project focused on strengthening youth peace education, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue, with German partner Laial e.V. and emphasis on empowering local youth, migrants, and refugees.
• Peace Cup 2026 European Culture and Sports Festival bringing young people together through sports competitions including football, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee, with side activities including Peace Fashion Showcase, Intercultural Talent Night, and Peace Through Art Exhibition.
• Youth Ambassadors for Peace Network of over 100 youth leaders in the EUME region dedicated to promoting harmony, understanding, and conflict resolution within their communities, originally launched in 2001 by partner organisation Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and part of a global network of 100,000+ ambassadors.
• Youth Heroes' Award International award recognizing youth and young adults aged 16-30 who contribute to creating a culture of peace and sustainable development; awardees receive medals, certificates, and public recognition during S!NERGY events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96 graduates from single Peace Designer Training cohort with 10 innovative project ideas developed
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• CHEONBO EUME BranchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Regional branch organization collaborating with IAYSP Lebanon on Iftar Gathering (Mar 2025). Partnership supports intercultural and interfaith peacebuilding activities in the Middle East.
• University of TetovacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2025Academic partner in INNOV8PEACE project (Small-Scale Partnership, Erasmus+ KA210-YOU). Hosted Training of Trainers in North Macedonia. Contributed academic expertise through Doc. Dr. Agron Iljazin and PhD(c) Ejona Icka. Key partner in Peace Designer Training delivery with 20 local participants per country in youth-led initiatives.
• RO CARPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2025Romanian partner organization in INNOV8PEACE project. Contributed representatives (Mihai, Iulia Alexandra, Fondos Gabriela) to Kick-Off Meeting and Training of Trainers. Led local implementation reaching 500 community members through 4 youth-led peace initiatives.
• Laial e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025German partner in A Peace to Share (APTS) Erasmus+ KA210-YOU project (Jan-Dec 2025). Project focuses on strengthening youth peace education, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue, with emphasis on local youth, migrants, and refugees.
• UN Youth Delegates and Representatives (Multi-Country)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 April 2024Co-organizers of ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 Side Event with youth delegates from Austria, Czechia, Denmark, EU, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, Switzerland, and USA. Co-sponsored by Permanent Mission of Ireland and EU to the UN. Moderated by Marvin Huber, UN Youth Delegate Austria.
• UBT UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary university partner in Kosovo. Hosted Peace Designer Training (second iteration, Oct 2023-Apr 2024) with 24 intensive sessions and 96 graduates. Supported by UBT Rector Prof. Dr. Edmond Harjizi. Venue for Balkan S!NERGY Assembly 2024.
• UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of UN side event on 'Preventing Crime through Encouraging a Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyle for Young People' at COP11 UNTOC (Oct 2023, Vienna). UNODC Programme Officer participated in IAYSP-organized panel on youth entrepreneurship and drug abuse prevention.
• UPF (Universal Peace Federation)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner of the Ambassadors for Peace initiative (launched 2001). UPF's global network of 100,000+ Ambassadors for Peace from 160 countries underpins IAYSP's youth peace ambassador program. Joint support for YSP Austria-Switzerland student exchanges to UN Geneva.
• WFWP (Women's Federation for World Peace)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegular co-organizer of UN side events including UN Vienna gatherings on youth entrepreneurship (Mar 2023), sustainable society (May 2023), and youth engagement. WFWP Kenya President contributed to youth empowerment discussions.
• YMCAminorOthersListed partner organization in network and partners page. Nature of collaboration not detailed in available sources.
• UNYD-Hungary (UN Youth Delegate Hungary)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth delegate organization collaborating on UN engagement activities. Listed partner in network page.
• CARP RomaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRomanian partner contributing to INNOV8PEACE project coordination. Representatives Mihai Iulia Alexandra and Fondos Gabriela participated in Kick-Off Meeting and contributed to Training of Trainers framework development.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AIESEC: Global youth-led network running leadership development and cross-cultural exchange programs. Directly comparable as a youth NGO with chapter-based model, international mobility programs, and UN-aligned mission focused on developing young leaders.
• United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY): Global network of 80+ youth peace organizations across 40 countries. Closest peer by mission—youth-led peacebuilding with EU funding and policy engagement—though smaller and less operationally developed than IAYSP.
• European Youth Forum: Platform of European youth NGOs representing millions of young people to EU institutions. Comparable to IAYSP EUME in its youth policy advocacy focus, UN/ECOSOC engagement, and role as a convening body for youth-led initiatives.
• Restless Development: Youth-led development agency running leadership programs and policy advocacy across Africa, Asia, and the UK. Comparable in training methodology, donor-funded model, and emphasis on youth participation in governance and SDGs.
• Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP): Sister organization within the Unification Movement family, co-organizing UN side events with IAYSP. Comparable in mission, UN consulting engagement, and donor-funded youth/women's leadership programming.

Broad incumbents

• Universal Peace Federation (UPF): Parent network of IAYSP and the Ambassadors for Peace initiative. Operates a broader peace and interfaith agenda beyond youth focus; provides the governance framework and global reach that underpins IAYSP's program.
• Search for Common Ground: Large international peacebuilding NGO operating in 30+ countries. Comparable in peacebuilding methodology and policy engagement, but operates at materially larger scale and professional NGO scope rather than volunteer-driven youth model.
• Generation Unlimited: UN-led global partnership for youth education, training, and employment. Comparable in targeting ages 16-30 and SDG alignment, but operates as a multi-stakeholder initiative rather than a single NGO with chapters.
• YMCA Europe: European branch of global youth-serving organization with similar volunteer-based, chapter-driven model. Comparable in community youth programming but broader recreational/health focus rather than peace-policy specialization.

Emerging players

• Peace Direct: UK-based peacebuilding NGO funding local peacebuilders. Comparable in peacebuilding mission but focuses on grantmaking rather than direct youth training and UN engagement.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iaysp-eume

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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