World record at the World Conference

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Youth hostels celebrate international understanding together in Berlin, taking the expression „Breaking Bread“ to a whole new level!

Representatives from around 35 nations grill a 57.94 meter-long stick of bread together from a total of 85 kilos of dough

A new world record was set on 26 September at Hostelling International‘s World Conference, hosted this year by the German Youth Hostel Association (DJH) at Berlin's Ostkreuz Youth Hostel from 25 to 28 September. In a moment symbolising international understanding and intercultural tolerance (both important youth hostel values) participants from around the planet stood together in the autumnal wind and grilled a stick of bread reaching an impressive total length of 57.94m, before sitting and breaking that same bread for their meal.

A unifying event

‘Campfires and stick bread are practically part of the DNA of youth hostels as a non-profit organisation. The youth hostel idea was born in Germany in 1909 and is now commonplace all over the world. With this campaign, we are celebrating the global commitment of all youth hostel associations to important values, such as breaking down prejudices and strengthening mutual acceptance. Especially in view of the current conflicts in the world, this is perhaps more important than ever,’ says DJH Managing Director Oliver Peters.

International youth encounters and a global campaign for Peace

The youth hostels pursue the aforementioned goals in various ways - for example in the form of youth encounters organised by the DJH and other member associations. For example, with ‘IOU Respect: Building a Culture of Peace’, a very special multilateral event took place in Germany this year: from 3 to 15 August, young people from hostel associations from Egypt, Germany, France, Lebanon, Tunisia and the USA came together in Germany to exchange ideas, talk about their home countries and cultures and discuss their own political and religious views. This project helps young people overcome prejudices and promote international understanding in the long term – thus promoting intercultural collaboration, non-violent conflict resolution and Peace.

This world record event itself falls within the timeframe of Hostelling International’s annual Say HI for Peace campaign. Throughout the month of september, events are being held in hostels around the world, all underscoring HI’s mission to connect people and promote respect & dialogue globally to build peace.

'HI was formed to help promote peace in the wake of WW1, 100 years ago. We set out to support and empower a disillusioned youth by providing opportunities for travel and cultural exchange – and our mission is just as important now as it ever was. We believe that every journey offers a chance to create connection and foster mutual understanding.  Our ‘Say HI! for Peace' campaign for example is a powerful reminder that by embracing diversity and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can contribute to a more peaceful and united world. This year our campaign not only aligns with the UN's call to cultivate a culture of peace but also reflects our ongoing commitment to making the world a better place, one hostel stay at a time.'  says Brianda Lopez, CEO of Hostelling International.

Youth hostels worldwide

The German Youth Hostel Association (DJH) is a member of the global not-for-profit federation of youth hostel associations Hostelling International (HI). With around 60 member associations, who operate together more than 2,500 youth hostels worldwide, HI is dedicated to promoting sustainable and meaningful travel experiences through its widespread network of hostels based in a range of interesting locations from medieval castles to modern eco-youth hostels, log cabin-style ski lodges and even accommodation in a disused jumbo jet!

The DJH in figures

• More than 400 youth hostels
• Around 9.3 million overnight stays
• Around 5,200 full-time DJH employees and around 650 volunteers

 

Press release from DJH and HI

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