We work to promote youth participation and representation in peace, security and decision making so that young people can play an active and positive role in their communities and acquire new skills to demonstrate leadership and contribute to community development.
Libya
We engage and empower vulnerable youth by providing skills training and creating new livelihood opportunities that dissuade young people from joining militias or getting involved in crime. We promote their participation in inclusive decision-making processes in their communities so that they can contribute and play an active role in society.
Syria
We have engaged young people in Damascus, Homs, Lattakia, and Tartous on the role of civil society, peacebuilding, and intra-community dialogue. We have provided transformational leadership skills that include negotiation and conflict resolution, and we have instituted four dialogue forums in Lebanon to bring young people together with others from opposition-supporting areas.
Armenia
We have developed teaching materials on peace and governance for young people in conflict-affected communities. We have worked to build an alliance among civil society organisations to advocate for a youth policy that includes questions of peace and security – in line with the international agenda set by UN Security Council Resolution 2250.
Youth, peace and security
UN Security Council Resolution 2250:
- Adopted in December 2015, UN Security Council Resolution 2250 is the first acknowledgement by the UN’s highest body with responsibility for international peace and security to highlight the contribution young people can make to peace
- The resolution urges countries to take steps to do more for young people in the areas of participation, protection, prevention, partnership, and disengagement and reintegration
- Over half of the world’s population is under the age of 30. Many of these young people live in countries affected by violent conflict, and they are often among those most impacted by violence and instability