South Asian group, Doyens of Peace, launches an inspiring video contest inviting youth from eight SAARC nations to harness culture and technology for peace, unity, and cross-border collaboration in South Asia.
In a significant initiative aimed at fostering regional harmony amid longstanding geopolitical tensions, the Hyderabad-based Confederation of Voluntary Associations (COVA) has invited young people from across the SAARC region to participate in a creative video competition. Titled as part of the 2nd SouthAsian Commemoration of Doyens of Peace, the contest encourages participants aged 13-30 from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to explore the theme “Digital Stages – Shared Heritage: Youth Connecting SouthAsia through Culture and Tech.”
This competition builds on the success of the inaugural event held in 2025, which saw enthusiastic participation from nearly 200 young voices across the region. By leveraging digital platforms, the initiative seeks to transform how youth perceive and engage with their shared cultural roots and technological futures, promoting dialogue over discord.
COVA’s Enduring Commitment to Peace
COVA, established in the mid-1990s in response to communal conflicts in Hyderabad’s old city, has evolved into a prominent national network dedicated to communal harmony, social justice, and peace-building across SouthAsia. Its peace initiatives have ranged from local community forums to cross-border citizen diplomacy, including efforts to document peace movements and facilitate dialogues between India and Pakistan.
The Doyens of Peace platform, facilitated by COVA’s Peace Network, honours legendary figures such as Admiral L. Ramdas (India), Karamat Ali (Pakistan), and Tapan Bose (India), who dedicated their lives to fostering understanding and cooperation. These “doyens” exemplify the spirit of people-to-people connections that the youth competition aims to amplify.
Mazher Hussain, Executive Director of COVA Peace Network, emphasized the contest’s goal: empowering youth to become architects of a collaborative South Asia. “Youth must envision and build a region where shared heritage triumphs over divisions,” he noted in the organising release.
Competition Details and Creative Freedom
Participants have until July 27, 2026, to submit videos of five minutes or less. Entries can take diverse forms – plays, skits, narratives, poetry, interviews, documentaries, or musical presentations – and may be produced in any South Asian language with English subtitles for broader accessibility.
A standout feature is the encouragement of cross-border collaborations. Organizers offer to facilitate connections between youth from different countries, enabling co-created content that embodies the theme of unity. While AI tools can assist in production, fully AI-generated videos are ineligible, preserving the emphasis on authentic human creativity.
The best video from each of the eight countries will receive a cash award equivalent to ₹15,000 in local currency, along with certificates for all participants. Selected entries will be showcased during a hybrid event on August 12, 2026 – International Youth Day – featuring live online broadcasts and physical screenings across the region, followed by panel discussions led by young representatives.
Submissions are accepted via the official portal: https://www.peacedoyens.org/videos-submission. For details and queries, contact coordinators Bhumi Sharma ([email protected], +91 78767 48908) or COVA ([email protected]).
Context of SAARC and Regional Challenges
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, has long aimed to promote economic, social, and cultural development among its members. However, tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, have often stalled progress. Initiatives like this video competition inject fresh energy into people-centric diplomacy, bypassing official bottlenecks through youth-driven cultural and technological exchange.
Mazher Hussain explains, “SouthAsia is home to over 1.8 billion people, with a significant youth bulge. Harnessing this demographic dividend through creative platforms can address common challenges such as climate change, economic integration, education, and disaster response.”
The 2025 edition of the commemoration produced a “9-Point Strategic Youth Blueprint” covering areas like a South Asian Youth Peace Network, cross-border cultural diplomacy, virtual education, green energy initiatives, and joint environmental programs – visions that underscore the potential for youth-led transformation.
Broader Impact and Previous Successes
The first commemoration in 2025 demonstrated the power of such platforms. Youth articulated bold ideas for a borderless SouthAsia grounded in economic cooperation, universal education, people-to-people diplomacy, and sustainable development. Visions included reinvigorating SAARC, creating soft borders for free trade, and leveraging technology for peace.
Winners like Zara Ahmed from India highlighted individual excellence while contributing to collective aspirations. These events not only recognize talent but also build networks that endure beyond the competition, fostering long-term collaborations among civil society, educational institutions, and youth groups.
Experts view such initiatives as vital in a region where traditional diplomacy faces hurdles. Cultural exchange programs, youth forums, and digital storytelling have proven effective globally in building empathy and reducing prejudices – principles echoed in similar efforts by organisations like Rotary Youth Exchange and various UN youth peace campaigns.
A Call to Action for Aspiring Changemakers
This competition arrives at a pivotal time. With global attention on youth as agents of sustainable development (aligned with UN International Youth Day themes), South Asian youth have a unique opportunity to redefine regional narratives. By focusing on shared heritage – from ancient civilizations and linguistic ties to modern tech innovations like digital connectivity – participants can highlight commonalities that bind rather than divide.
Organisers envision the Doyens of Peace as an ongoing pan-South Asia network, with additional events planned around SAARC Charter Day and World Theatre Day. This multi-event approach ensures sustained engagement, moving from vision-sharing to actionable projects via thematic communities on platforms like WhatsApp.
Parents, educators, and community leaders are encouraged to support participants. Schools and colleges can host viewing sessions, while youth organisations might facilitate cross-border pairings. The hybrid nature of the August 12 event allows broad accessibility, turning individual creativity into a regional celebration.
Towards a United SouthAsia
As South Asia grapples with climate vulnerabilities, economic disparities, and historical animosities, initiatives like COVA’s video competition offer a beacon of hope. They remind us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of creative, collaborative futures imagined by the young.
By participating, youth are not just entering a contest – they are claiming agency in shaping a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous SouthAsia. The digital stage is set; the shared heritage awaits their stories. With submissions open until late July, the call is clear: pick up your cameras, connect across borders, and let creativity pave the path to unity.
