26 July–2 August 2026, M.A. Center, Germany
More than 200 young people from 29 countries across Europe and beyond gathered at M.A. Center, Germany, from 26 July to 2 August for the AYUDH Europe Summit 2026. Centred on the theme “One Humanity,” the eight-day summit explored how young people can respond to the challenges of our times and become messengers of peace, compassion and positive change.
Through inspiring talks, practical workshops, community service, cultural exchange, meditation, music, sports and shared meals, participants explored what it means to build a more compassionate and connected world.
The summit was organised as part of the Care4You(th) project, partly funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission, in partnership with Apprentis d’Auteuil, the City of Brombachtal and ETW-France.
Each day explored a different aspect of the theme, including Connecting Humanity, Sustainable Humanity, Resilient Humanity, Engaging Humanity and Celebrating Humanity. Young people had opportunities to learn from one another while building friendships across cultures, religions and backgrounds.
Awakening the humanity within
One of the memorable sessions was a talk by Swami Amritaswarupananda, who encouraged participants to see One Humanity not as something to achieve outside themselves, but as a transformation that begins within.
He shared five qualities to cultivate on this journey, beginning with wisdom—the ability to ask the right questions.
“Logic belongs to the head; wisdom belongs to the heart,” he explained, reminding participants that love often understands what logic cannot.
He encouraged young people to move beyond life’s breakdowns and embrace breakthroughs by letting go of ego and allowing love to become the foundation of every action.
“You become what you think about,” he quoted from Amma, encouraging everyone to nourish the mind with uplifting thoughts and inspiring lives.
Swamiji also highlighted the importance of developing an intuitive mind, explaining that creativity and insight arise not through constant struggle but through stillness and presence.
“Confusion is the conflict between the past and the future,” he said, encouraging participants to remain anchored in the present moment.
He reminded the gathering that lasting social change begins with personal transformation. Every small step towards greater wisdom, love and selflessness creates a ripple that reaches far beyond oneself.
The power of kindness
The summit began with an inspiring keynote by Swami Shubamritananda Puri on “The Power of Kindness” as a foundation for One Humanity.
Through stories ranging from Amma’s compassionate care for a stranded migrant in Europe to the extraordinary generosity shown by the people of Gander, Canada, who welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers after the events of 11 September 2001, he illustrated how simple acts of kindness can transcend nationality, religion and culture.
Swamiji reminded the participants that One Humanity is not merely an inspiring ideal, but a practical way of living. Beneath differences of language, nationality or belief, every human being shares the same longing to be happy, loved and safe.
“The person in front of me matters,” he said, “not because they share my beliefs or background, but because they are human, and that alone is enough.” He also emphasised that kindness is both deeply spiritual and supported by modern science. Acts of kindness benefit not only the person who receives them, but also the person who gives and even those who witness them. In a world often shaped by division and competition, he encouraged participants to consciously choose connection over judgement and compassion over indifference. While no individual can solve every global problem, he reminded them, each person has the power to choose kindness in every interaction.
One Humanity is a truth to awaken to
Swamini Amritajyoti Prana invited participants to reflect on a few simple questions:v “Who wants to be happy? Who wants to be loved? Who wants to feel safe? Who wants true friendship? Who wants a life with meaning?” Every hand in the room was raised.
Drawing on the wisdom of the Vedas and Amma’s teachings, Swamini reminded everyone that beneath our apparent differences lies a shared human longing. Like waves in the same ocean, we may appear separate, but we all arise from the same source. She encouraged participants to look beyond fear, ego and the illusion of “us versus them”, explaining that compassion naturally emerges when we recognise our interconnectedness. “One Humanity is not an ideal for the future. It is a truth to awaken to—and a practice to live every day,” she said.
From understanding to action
The summit explored how this understanding can be translated into everyday life. Participants attended sessions on emotional wellbeing, sustainability, leadership and service, while taking part in community projects, sports, intercultural evenings, talent shows and group discussions.
Dr. Paula Bohr, a physician from Denmark and granddaughter of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Niels Bohr, led an experiential session on the nervous system, encouraging participants to become more aware of how safety, connection and presence are experienced in the body.
Dr. Joost Monks, an international expert in education policy and artificial intelligence, reflected on the principles of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family”—and how these ancient ideas find practical expression through service and community engagement.
Dr. Isabel Signes, President of Vision Without Borders, explored what it truly means to see, connecting physical vision with the vision of the heart. Drawing on her experience in blindness prevention and international cooperation, she encouraged young people to listen to their inner calling, believe in themselves and use their abilities in service of others.
A dialogue across cultures
A powerful moment of the summit came with the One Humanity Panel Discussion, where AYUDH participants, senior policymakers and professionals from different backgrounds shared experiences of dialogue, collaboration and hope.
Among the distinguished speakers was Jelena Zelenovic, Programme Specialist in Global Citizenship and Peace Education at UNESCO, who shared UNESCO’s vision of global education and community building. Swami Shubamritananda, Isabel Signes and Paola Fraschini, seven-time world champion in roller skating, also contributed to the discussion. The panel was attended by participants as well as people from the wider Hessen community.
One participant reflected:v “Before today’s session I was leaning more towards the idea that if only people were more similar or agreed more with each other. But after hearing these inspiring stories, I better realise that diversity is not necessarily a cause of conflict or division. It can be a source of inspiration, connection, curiosity and learning.”
Another participant shared: “Today’s world can sometimes seem to be very difficult… But the panellists showed me that caring for the world and caring for oneself are the same in many ways. My heart has opened up just a little bit more.”
The summit also welcomed distinguished guests including the Mayor of Brombachtal, Mr. Andreas Koch, and Mr. Rajiv Goswami, representative of the Indian Consulate in Frankfurt.
The reflections and experiences gathered during the summit will be shared with policymakers, organisations and youth networks, helping bring young people’s voices into conversations about building a more peaceful, sustainable and compassionate future.
Silence, music and celebration
Alongside the dynamic programme of talks and workshops, participants found moments of inner silence and peace through daily bhajan sessions and an evening lakeside meditation.
The summit also featured musical performances, including concerts by the African drumming band Bingoma and G.L.A.D., a young French singer whose music brings together influences from different cultures around the world.
One of the week’s cherished moments was the bhajan session led by Swami Amritaswarupananda, which brought the entire audience to its feet. The final session concluded with Swamiji singing Amma’s bhajan “Mata Rani”, becoming a powerful expression of unity, joy and hope.
Throughout the week, participants discovered that One Humanity does not mean erasing differences, but embracing them with patience, openness and mutual respect. Through dialogue, service, meditation, cultural celebrations and simply spending time together, the summit demonstrated that unity grows not from uniformity, but from recognising our common humanity.
From Germany to Rome
The summit ended with a new beginning for several AYUDH members, who set out under the guidance of Dr. Karen Darke, MBE, on a 15-day, 1,500-kilometre bicycle journey from M.A. Center, Germany, to Rome, Italy.
The independent project, “A Cycle for Humanity,” was inspired by Dr. Karen Darke’s talk at the 21st AYUDH Europe Summit in 2025. Led by Karen herself, a Paralympic gold medallist in cycling, the expedition will cross four European countries and the Alps. Proceeds will support the treatment of beneficiaries with spinal injuries at Amrita Hospital in Kochi.
As another AYUDH Europe Summit came to a close, participants returned home carrying new friendships, fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to continue living the spirit of One Humanity in their own communities.
-Dass