Conflict has been a constant state throughout human history. While different regions have periods of peace, conflict is always occurring in some part of the globe at any given time.
The nonprofit Never Such Innocence examines conflict spanning 2,253 years, beginning with the Punic Wars and ending with the Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall. It explores how conflict begins, is conducted, and ends. It also explores the impact of conflict on communities, the paths to peace, the consequences and the legacy.
The nonprofit provides tools for children and young people (aged 9–18) to reflect on the realities of war and conflict. It nurtures the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and peacebuilders through the arts, inspiring cultural exchange and dialogue, amplifying the voices of children and young people all over the world.
Never Such Innocence began as a First World War commemoration project for children and young people. Inspired by this conflict, more than 11,000 young people from 47 countries, territories, and dependencies created poetry, artwork, and songs. In 2019 the nonprofit expanded its focus to include conflict in all forms and throughout history, up to and including the present day. To date, young people in more than 130 countries have participated in the work of Never Such Innocence, including in an international competition.
In 2025–26, young people explored different perspectives of war and conflict, imagining what it might feel like to walk in someone else’s shoes. The competition invited students to submit artwork, share their reflections on conflict, or give a voice to those who may not have one. Students could create their responses individually or collaboratively, whether writing a song with a classmate, working on a poem with someone they know from another country, or producing a piece of artwork solo. They sent their voices across borders, reflecting on powerful stories and helping build empathy around the world. The organization’s website displays a selection of Stories of Conflict entered in past international competitions by youth from around the world.
Check the competition’s webpage in September for the 2026–27 timeline. The webpage also provides links to resources for helping children manage anxiety over war, conflict, and crises by offering broader mental health support and creating healing classrooms.