Rome, 11 June 2026 — Leading members of the Italian Parliament, alongside their parliamentary colleagues, advisors, and institutional representatives, today pledged their commitment to an ongoing partnership with Project Oxygen (Project O2).
The commitments came after a historic and deeply moving session in which Project O2 founder Kathleen Hessert and four youth delegates from Ukraine, the United States, and Japan delivered testimonies that resonated profoundly across the political spectrum.
The youth leaders spoke on behalf of 40 peers from 15 countries, are all gathered in Rome this week for a landmark peace summit co-hosted by Project Oxygen in partnership with Scholas Occurentes and and supported by DNA Vibe, Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society – University of Notre Dame and Kevin Love Fund.
A Historic Gathering Inside Parliament
During the 1 June Parliament session, Project Oxygen teens, Mikita (18 years old;Japan), Eldar (16 years old; Ukraine), Sol (18 years old; United States); Alina (17 years old; Ukraine) parliamentary session, delivered personal testimonies to members of the Commissione Periferie, Italian Parliamentarians from multiple parties, senior parliamentary staff and advisors, representatives of the Vatican,leaders from KidsKonnectUkraine and Scholas Occurrentes and international experts in peacebuilding and youth leadership, including:
- On. Andrea Di Maria, Segretario della Commissione Periferie del Parlamento Italiano
- José María del Corral, fondatore di Scholas Occurrentes e promotore di Project Oxygen
- On. Alessandro Battilocchio, Presidente della Commissione Periferie del Parlamento
It marked the first time adolescents from such a broad range of conflict‑affected regions were formally invited to address Italian legislators on issues of peace, security, and intergenerational cooperation.
From the opening testimony to the final reflection, the message was unmistakable: these young leaders, many of whom have lived through war, displacement, or systemic injustice in regions like Ukraine, carry a moral clarity and urgency that institutions can no longer afford to overlook.
Opening Remarks: “Their Courage Is the Breath Before Action”
Project Oxygen founder Kathleen Hessert opened the session by reframing youth not as passive observers, but as active architects of peace:
“These young people are not waiting for the world to change or to save them. They’re stepping forward to change it themselves. They’re not studying leadership — they’re living it. Their courage is the breath before action. Project O2 exists to help that courage take root and grow.”
José María del Corral, founder of Scholas Occurrentes and promoter of Project Oxygen, closed the session saying “After listening to you, I can only say one thing: I am sorry for what my generation did — and hopeful for what yours is doing with it.”
The four youth delegates expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to be heard by such a distinguished group of leaders.
Said Alina:
“We are overwhelmingly grateful that these key members of the Italian Parliament took time away from their incredibly important responsibilities to listen to us. Support like we received this week is what we need to feel seen and heard, the oxygen we need to catch our breaths and the air we need to navigate our generation toward a more peaceful future.”
Parliamentary Leaders Respond: “Their Voices Move Us to Action”
Hon. Alessandro Battilocchio,
President, Commissione Periferie
“Listening to these young participants was profoundly emotional. Their courage and clarity remind us why institutions must act. Scholas has become a partner of our Committee, and I intend to follow closely the activities these young people will carry out in the coming days.”
Hon. Andrea De Maria,
Secretary, Commissione Periferie
“As the former Mayor of Marzabotto — a town that endured one of the worst civilian massacres of the Second World War — I know what it means for a community to rise from devastation. These young people embody that same spirit of bridge‑building.”
Both leaders emphasized that the partnership between Italian institutions and Project Oxygen must continue beyond this week’s summit.
Additional parliamentarians and advisors present echoed this commitment, expressing admiration for the youth delegates and support for deepening collaboration.
Testimonies That Shifted the Room
Alina (17, Ukraine)
Described life in Dnipro, where “people learned to tell the difference between the sound of a motorcycle and the sound of drones.”
Her plea:
“Please do not be indifferent and do not forget about Ukraine, because forgetting leads to an invisible death.”
Eldar (16, Ukraine)
“My generation is ready to participate in building peace now — all we need is for you to give us a chance.”
Sol (18, United States)
“Project Oxygen didn’t give me a voice. It gave me a room worthy of the one I already had.”
Miki (18, Japan)
Carrying forward a four‑generation legacy of peacebuilding:
“When we wish only for our own peace, others are excluded. But when we wish for world peace, both you and I are included.”
Their stories — different in origin, united in conviction — left a lasting impact on all present.
A Commitment to Continued Collaboration
Following the session, Parliament confirmed that the youth testimonies will inform ongoing institutional dialogue on:
- Peacebuilding,
- Youth leadership,
- International cooperation,
- Intergenerational policy development.
Parliamentarians also affirmed their intention to continue working with Project Oxygen, recognizing it as a model for global civic engagement and partnership between youth and institutions.
In closing, Ms. Hessert wants the world to remember:
“Adults say: “Some day they’ll change the world”. Young people ask: “Why are we waiting?”
Closing Ceremony: A Public Symbol of Solidarity
Following the parliamentary testimonies, the Italian dignitaries attended the Project Oxygen Closing Ceremony to celebrate the young peace builders and lead an Olive Tree watering as an expresson of global peace and solidarity.
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Media Resources
- Full Transcripts of Testimonies provided on 1 June 2026: https://docs.google.com/document/d/141cPZdornbiS5wbY0IgOGHp8Atyepd0kQLyA4QaPr3M/edit?tab=t.0
- Parliament photos and videos for media https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KupoJicglpC9agWCTD4SQ026PhWucBYy?usp=sharing
Media may use all photos and videos. Photo Credit: Project Oxygen and Scholas Occurentes
About Project Oxygen
Project Oxygen is a global peace and youth‑leadership initiative bringing together 40 adolescents from more than 20 countries — including Ukraine, Nigeria, Colombia, Japan, South Africa, Pakistan, Sudan, and the United States — to design and implement peace‑building projects in their communities.
The 2026 summit in Rome marks the program’s first convening inside both the Vatican and the Italian Parliament.
Media Contacts
Lana McGilvray, Founder & CEO, Purpose Worldwide
Email: lana@purposenorthamerica.com
Mobile/WhatsApp: +1 512‑970‑8310
North America
Sydney Arena
Email: sydney@purposenorthamerica.com