Her Royal Highness Sophie, Countess of Wessex GCVO has become the first royal patron of the Awareness Foundation, an organisation formed in 2003.
Rev Nadim Nassar, Director of the foundation, said: "It is a truly great honour to welcome Her Royal Highness as our Royal Patron and we look forward to sharing our many exciting plans for a future in which the Awareness Foundation plays a vital role in encouraging peacebuilding and reconciliation, both in the Middle East and in the West."
The inauguration of the Countess of Wessex as the Awareness Foundation's royal patron comes as the organisation launches its 'Ambassadors for Peace' programme, which encourages young Syrians and Iraqis to promote peace in their nations.
Founded by Rev Nassar, Rt Revd Michael Marshall, and Charles Longbottom (former MP for York), the Awareness Foundation also aims to build understanding between different faith groups.
The Awareness Foundation says it's Ambassadors for Peace and Little Heroes programmes try to help young people and displaced children in Syria and Iraq "develop a positive outlook and work to reconcile and to rebuild trust in their shattered communities".