Shortly after attending a meeting between the Elders and leading women from politics, civil society, business, journalism and academia, Nadia Karayianni reflects on the vital role of women in fostering peace in Cyprus.

"Building infrastructure or providing better opportunities for work does not serve as an alternative to our right of return." Mustafa Orabi talks to The Elders guest blogger Sari Freitekh about growing up in a refugee camp and his work to ensure that Palestinian identity and ideologies are preserved.

Rana Zincir Celal coordinates the Cyprus Chapter of the Greek-Turkish Forum. Following a meeting between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women and Elders' Lakhdar Brahimi and Gro Brundtland, she writes about the need for women to be more involved in the peace process in Cyprus

Eman Mohammed recounts her experience of meeting the Elders and explains that Gazans simply want to live in a quiet, peaceful place free from human rights violations and widespread crime.

Gali Agnon shares her story of using organic produce to foster solidarity and dialogue between the Palestinian residents of Wadi Fukin and their Israeli neighbours across the Green Line in Tzur Hadassah.

Dina Kraft explores the challenges facing young Israelis and Palestinians.

Fahmi Manasra, a resident of Wadi Fukin in the West Bank, expresses his hope that the village will one day enjoy stability, peace and prosperity alongside its neighbours - both Israeli and Palestinian.

Youth movement leader Tal Madar considers the nature of leadership following a meeting with the Elders.

Eighteen-year-old student Zaina Abu Hamda blogs about the humiliation and helplessness she endures at the Qalandia checkpoint on her way to school.

Frustrated by the lack of youth participation in the decision-making process, Zaher Bassioni set out to establish a youth organisation alongside similar-minded young people. Here, he blogs about his vision for a secular Palestinian society - one that practises peace, promotes democracy, and respects individual freedoms.