The CFP Institute’s second program brought together speakers from bicommunal organizations in Cyprus to discuss the role of culture and language in peacebuilding. This session highlighted how grassroots initiatives are fostering mutual understanding and bridging divides between communities on the island.
Our guest speakers represented two inspiring organizations:
• HADE! – A multi-communal group that provides language lessons and exchanges in Turkish, Turkish Cypriot, Greek, Greek Cypriot, and Cypriot Maronite. Their mission is to encourage members of each community to learn each others’ languages, fostering empathy, communication, and cultural exchange as tools for peace.
• Cylingo – A cultural initiative dedicated to archiving and teaching the Cypriot dialects spoken across all communities of the island. By preserving and promoting these dialects, Cylingo works to strengthen cultural identity, celebrate shared heritage, and bring people together through language.
Through this program, participants gained insight into how language learning and the celebration of local heritage can act not only as a bridge between communities but also as a foundation for a more inclusive and peaceful future in Cyprus.
