Musicians Without Borders

Musicians Without Borders is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1999, dedicated to using the power of music to bridge geopolitical divides, heal trauma, and foster peaceful, resilient communities. Operating in regions impacted by war, conflict, and displacement, this non-profit foundation believes that music can serve as a universal language that transcends differences, promotes empathy, and nurtures social change. Through carefully designed programs, Musicians Without Borders partners with local organizations and trains musicians to become community leaders and agents of nonviolence, helping migrants and refugees reconnect, rebuild, and express themselves through music.

Their work spans several continents, with programs in the Balkans, the Middle East, Central America, and Africa. Projects like the Mitrovica Rock School in Kosovo bring together youth from divided communities, while Rwanda Youth Music trains young survivors of genocide to use music as a tool for trauma recovery and education. Other initiatives focus on working with refugees, supporting people living with HIV, and promoting gender equality through music. Each project is developed in collaboration with local communities to ensure sustainability, cultural relevance, and long-term impact.

At the heart of Musicians Without Borders’ approach is a commitment to inclusivity, collaborative participation, and nonviolence. Rather than imposing external solutions on groups affected by geopolitical issues, they individual capacity for healing and empowerment, training local musicians and educators to carry forward the emotional work of rebuilding within their respective cultural contexts. By combining artistic expression with social activism, Musicians Without Borders continues to demonstrate how creative, community-driven programs can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges and foster pathways toward peace and reconciliation.