Young people learn to become active global citizens

For the first time the Summer Orchestral Camp of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra ran under SIT DOWN — so the young musicians did not only rehearse. With mentors Kaja Primorac and Faris Kočan they discovered how to use their voice in the international community: the tools of advocacy, the role of the United Nations, their fears and hopes for the future, and how to say it all clearly, confidently and with courage.

• Tools for effective advocacy
• The role of the UN
• Challenges beyond borders
• Messengers of peace

170 young musicians and artists at Brdo

A ten-day residency at the state estate Brdo pri Kranju: sectionals with mentors in the mornings, workshops on the UN and active citizenship in the afternoons, then tutti rehearsals with conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh. Here the orchestra lived and learned together — and here the new Peace Child musical, combining orchestra, choir and narration, began to take shape. For the first time they were joined by the Amwaj Choir from Palestine, Superar from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukrainian musicians of Music for the Future.

Youth took a seat for dialogue

In five thematic groups, together with ambassadors, academics and youth experts, young people worked on the Declaration on Future Generations — among them peers coming directly from Palestine and Ukraine. In the afternoon they presented their demands directly to diplomats and decision-makers, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon.

• Peace & security
• Safe migration
• Sustainability
• Inclusive societies
• Intergenerational justice

“I promise to carry your voices to the world, including to the UN Security Council.”Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Where culture meets economy

Before the premiere, together with SPIRIT Slovenia, business leaders, diplomats and cultural representatives met to explore how culture and the economy can jointly build a sustainable future. Two panels: culture as a partner in shaping societies and responsible entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence for sustainability.

“Young people are the driving force of innovation, creativity and growth.”Matjaž Han, Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport

Sold out. 170 young performers, one voice.

Orchestra, choir and narrators stood together as one: the Amwaj Choir from Palestine, the SUPERAR choir from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukrainian musicians of Music for the Future and the Slovenian Youth Orchestra. The legendary 1980s musical by David Gordon and David Woollcombe, reimagined and co-written by young people — not about a distant future, but about the wars of today. The premiere was recorded by Radio Slovenija and broadcast on 31 October 2025.

The message reached the world

One day after the premiere, under the patronage of SPIRIT Slovenia, the audio and video recording of Peace Child was presented to the global public at the United Nations Pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka world exhibition – and visitors were moved by the energy of the young performers and the power of their message.

Source: Izvozno okno, 27 August 2025