A music video featuring world music personalities is being launched as part of the EU Children for Peace initiative, which funds humanitarian projects for children growing up in conflict regions.

Over one billion children live in countries affected by conflict. They are especially vulnerable to the fallout of war. The release of the video aims to make the world aware of these children’s plight, particularly their lack of access to education.

The EU Children of Peace initiative was established in 2012 from the prize money that the EU received with Nobel Peace Prize 2012. It is now a permanent legacy project of the EU, thanks to continued funding and commitment from the European Commission and member states.

As part of this year’s initiative, the EU provided children benefitting from the EU Children of Peace initiative the opportunity to get involved in, perform and film a choreographed song and dance based on an original melody, while adding their own cultural touch.

The song Rêver ("Dreaming") was composed especially for the project by famous Senegalese musician Wasis Diop, who also sings in the video.

Other renowned performers include Chico from the Gypsy, Chris Mayne, composer and percussionist Steve Shehan and violinist Anne Gravoin and “les cordes de l’Opéra de Paris”.

Children from a number of regions affected by conflict – South Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia and Ecuador - have reproduced the song and choreography.

The children's take on the song will be integrated into the video, to be released on the International Day of Peace, September 21.