In today’s interconnected world, the active involvement of young people has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable peace and security. Recognizing this, the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) has unveiled its Youth, Peace and Security Strategy (2024–2026), a roadmap designed to integrate youth perspectives into conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts globally
Priority Areas
At its core, the strategy builds on UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015), which first recognized youth’s positive impact on peace. It stresses that young people, especially young women, must actively participate in formal and informal peace processes, bringing fresh insights that can modernize and improve traditional security approaches.
The strategy outlines three key priorities to advance youth engagement in global peace:
- Enhanced Advocacy and Awareness: The strategy aims to increase understanding among UN bodies, governments, and civil society about the value of youth-led peace efforts by using advocacy and global networks to share best practices and lessons learned.
- Strengthening Capacities Through Training and Mentorship: It provides targeted training and mentorship to equip young peacebuilders with the necessary skills for effective conflict prevention and resolution.
- Institutionalizing Youth Impact: The strategy supports Member States in developing and implementing National Action Plans on Youth, Peace, and Security, while fostering intergenerational dialogue and partnerships with regional organizations and international financial institutions to ensure that youth perspectives are embedded in national policies.
Ultimately, the DPPA’s Youth, Peace and Security Strategy is a transformative call to action. It challenges governments and international organizations to view youth not merely as beneficiaries of peace but as active, influential agents in shaping global security. As the world faces complex, multifaceted conflicts, empowering young people to contribute their voices and skills is not just a strategic imperative—it is essential for the creation of a more stable, inclusive, and peaceful future.
ASEAN
In Southeast Asia, youth are driving peace through cultural diplomacy. In ASEAN, cultural diversity is both an asset and a challenge, as misunderstandings can spark conflict.
Young people, regarded as the “seeds” of peace, leverage education, cultural exchanges, and innovative media to foster unity while honoring national identities. Acting as cultural ambassadors, they bridge divides and enhance mutual understanding, significantly advancing regional peacebuilding.
This global shift underscores that youth are not merely the future of peace—they are its present driving force, and empowering them to shape policy is key to creating a more stable, inclusive, and peaceful world.
Countries integrating NAPs
Several countries have developed National Action Plans (NAPs) to integrate youth into peace and security initiatives, aligning with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250. Notable examples include:
- Finland: In 2021, Finland published the world’s first NAP on Youth, Peace, and Security, following extensive consultations with young people, youth organizations, government bodies, and civil society.
https://2250finland.fi - Nigeria: In November 2021, Nigeria became the first African nation and the second globally to adopt a NAP on UNSCR 2250. This plan addresses the peace and security challenges faced by Nigerian youth and emphasizes their active participation in peacebuilding efforts.
https://cspps.org - The Gambia: In November 2022, The Gambia validated its NAP on Youth, Peace, and Security, becoming the third country to do so. This plan underscores the country’s commitment to empowering youth as drivers of peace and sustainable development. https://gamna.gov.gm
References:
United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. (2024). Youth, peace and security strategy (2024–2026) [PDF]. Retrieved from https://dppa.un.org/sites/default/files/dppa_youth_peace_and_security_strategy_2024-2026.pdf
Long, N. T. (n.d.). Youth and peace in ASEAN: Young people’s contributions to peace in ASEAN through cultural diplomacy [PDF]. ASEAN Institute for Peace & Reconciliation.
https://asean-aipr.org/media/library/63bfd6e8f26d1d3537f4c5038264ef36.pdf
