Hyderabad, India: A powerful youth-led initiative is set to unite young voices across borders to combat poverty and promote peace in South Asia. The COVA Peace Network has announced an open call for youth between the ages of 15 and 25 from eight South Asian countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—to participate in a unique regional video contest that encourages collaboration, creativity, and bold vision.
The campaign, titled “DARE A VISION TO REDUCE POVERTY AND PROMOTE PEACE IN SOUTHASIA,” urges Gen Z to step forward and share their ideas on how young people can work together to build a more peaceful and poverty-free region.
A Platform for Young Changemakers
Participants are invited to create and submit a 5-minute video on the theme:
“How can Youth of Southasia Collaborate to Reduce Poverty and Promote Peace in the Region?”
The videos can be made in any South Asian language but must include English subtitles. To make their submissions more impactful, participants are encouraged to include 30 to 60-second interviews with young people affected by poverty or violence, thereby connecting policy ideas with real human experiences.
An inspiring example video by a young girl envisioning a united and peaceful South Asia can be viewed here.
Prizes and Recognition Across 8 Countries
- Top entry from each country will receive a cash award equivalent to INR 10,000 (in local currency).
- All participants will receive certificates of appreciation.
- The most powerful entries will be live-cast online and featured in hybrid programs across the 8 countries on December 8, 2025, coinciding with SAARC Charter Day.
The last date to submit videos is November 25, 2025.
👉 Submit your video here
Thinking Beyond Borders
This campaign aims to spark a new wave of regional cooperation led by youth. It calls on participants to explore:
- The causes and impact of poverty in the region.
- Types of violence affecting communities and cross-border relations.
- How conflicts worsen poverty and instability.
- The economic, social, and cultural benefits of peace between communities and countries.
“It’s time to think out of the box. Gen Z can and should do it to save our communities, our countries, our region—and humanity itself,” says Mazher Hussain, representing COVA Peace Network.
How to Participate
- Age group: 15 to 25 years
- Duration of video: 5 minutes
- Language: Any South Asian language (with English subtitles)
- Submission deadline: November 25, 2025
- Live cast and awards: December 8, 2025
For more information, videos, reports, and youth visions for South Asia, visit: www.peacedoyens.org
Contact Details
Doyens of Peace Secretariat
COVA Peace Network
Hyderabad, India
📧 peacedoyenssouthasia@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +91 77310 64466
🌐 www.peacedoyens.org
Call to Action:
Young people across South Asia are being given a stage to imagine—and build—a peaceful future. If you believe in the power of youth to shape change, this is your moment to act, create, and inspire.