Our Founder Story

Mohammad Shehadat, the founder of Youth for Peace, is a Syrian peacebuilder, youth leader, and advocate for global citizenship.

After experiencing displacement due to the Syrian conflict, Mohammad believed that young people affected by crisis should not be seen only as victims of conflict—but as agents of change capable of shaping peaceful futures.

With very limited resources, he founded Youth for Peace in Jordan with the goal of creating opportunities for refugee and host community youth to learn, connect, and work together for peace.

Since then, Mohammad has become an internationally recognized youth leader. He has been selected as a Kofi Annan Changemaker and a UNESCO Youth for Peace Leader, and has participated in global dialogues on peacebuilding, refugee issues, and youth leadership.

Through his work, he has represented youth voices in international platforms, including discussions with global institutions, civil society organizations, and policymakers.

His vision for Youth for Peace is simple yet powerful:

When young people are given the opportunity to participate, lead, and be heard, they can transform challenges into solutions and build bridges between communities.

Today, Youth for Peace continues to grow as a community of young leaders committed to creating a more peaceful and inclusive world—starting from their communities and reaching the global stage.

Our Team

At Youth for Peace, our strength comes from a diverse, passionate, and dedicated team of young leaders, peacebuilders, and changemakers. Each member brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives, united by a shared mission: empowering youth to lead in building peace, dialogue, and sustainable communities.

Founder & Executive Director

Mohammad Shehadat – Founder & Executive Director
Mohammad is a Syrian peacebuilder and youth leader whose personal journey of displacement shaped his commitment to empowering young people, especially refugees, as agents of change. As the founder of Youth for Peace, he has led the initiative from a small grassroots project to a thriving network of hundreds of young global citizens. Mohammad is a Kofi Annan Changemaker, a UNESCO Youth for Peace Leader, and an advocate for global citizenship, intercultural dialogue, and youth participation in peace processes.

Program Leadership

Our program leaders design and implement Youth for Peace initiatives, workshops, and training programs. They ensure our projects—ranging from Global Citizenship Education to Green Entrepreneurship and Digital Storytelling—deliver measurable impact while fostering inclusive participation and intercultural understanding.

• Sarah Noble – Head of Global Engagement
• Sarah Sheikh Omar – Project Director (Own War & Digital Art Initiatives)
• Ibrahim Yahya – Lead Trainer, Digital Storytelling & AI Programs

Youth & Community Engagement

Our youth coordinators work directly with participants, creating safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and leadership development. They are the heart of Youth for Peace, ensuring our programs resonate with the real needs and aspirations of young people.

• Mohammed Al-Khatib – Youth Engagement Coordinator
• Rana Abu Issa – Community Programs Lead
• Layla Haddad – Alumni Network Coordinator

Partnerships & Research

These team members manage strategic partnerships, international collaborations, and research initiatives. They connect Youth for Peace with academic institutions, civil society organizations, and global networks to expand opportunities for youth and strengthen our impact.

• Dr. Ibrahim Darwish – Academic Liaison & Policy Research
• Fatima Al-Shara – Partnerships & Network Development

Advisory Board

Our advisory board consists of experienced professionals from the fields of peacebuilding, youth development, and sustainable development. They provide strategic guidance and mentorship to ensure Youth for Peace maintains its mission, integrity, and global vision.

Together, the Youth for Peace team embodies a commitment to empowering youth, fostering peace, and building sustainable communities. Each team member shares the belief that when young people are trusted, supported, and given a platform to lead, they choose dialogue over division, collaboration over conflict, and peace over violence.