Here in the future
- We live without the fear of bombs or gunfire when going to class.
- We spend more time in nature, and we respect the land we tread upon, understanding that we are part of it.
- Equality, equity, and justice are not just aspirations but integral parts of our everyday lives.
- Freedom is so self-evident that it requires no mention, much like the water we drink—it's simply there, sustaining us.
Participation
Young people shaping the future of peace
In Paxterra, differences are celebrated, disagreements are resolved peacefully and humanity flourishes in shared well-being. Young people have an equal stake in decision-making as compared to all other policymakers. Ideas from young people are valued and invested in through innovative co-creation.
Here in the future, the meaningful participation of young people is the key to lasting peace. But what did the world look like between 2022 and 2023? Let's take a look!
Challenges facing youth participation in politics and peace processes
- Institutional barriers such as age restrictions and financial costs hinder youth participation in politics and decision-making spaces.
- 82% of young people in 65 countries and territories said that electoral violence is a barrier to their participation in elections.
- Mistrust is growing. 76% of young people across 26 countries believe that politicians do not listen to them.
- Only 12% of all peace agreements (between 1990-2022) mention young people.
- UN training initiatives across countries such as Benin, Chad, Georgia, and Iraq are strengthening youth engagement in peace processes.
Young people bear the disproportionate burden of climate change
- Climate change worsens inequalities and contributes to increased risks of displacement, gender-based violence, poverty, and resource scarcity.
- Youth, along with other groups, are hit hardest by climate change. Its adverse effects intensify vulnerabilities and inequalities, putting our progress at risk.
- In various parts of the world, young people are the driving force in mobilizing and engaging in climate action.
Protection
Youth civic engagement without fear
In Paxterra, young people no longer fear for their lives, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background. Governments ensure safe and accessible election processes, empowering young people to vote, express opinions, and protest peacefully without fear of repercussions. They prioritize protecting young people and civic spaces.
Civic space shrinks as youth face multiple threats
- Young people have faced different types of threats as civic space continues to shrink.
- Social media drives digital threats such as hate speech, political persecution, and sexual harassment.
- Young women face increased threats if they have a disability, belong to LGBTIQ+ minorities, and marginalized communities.
- There is a lack of data on the protection concerns of young people globally.
- Young people lack emergency funding and protection mechanisms for their urgent and specific protection.
Escalating conflicts threaten the safety of young people
- Armed conflicts are increasing the vulnerability of civilians, including young people, particularly in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza.
- The destruction of civilian and critical infrastructure is blocking access to essential services such as education and health care.
- Armed conflicts continue to disproportionately impact the well-being and mental health of young people and marginalized youth groups.
Prevention
Conflict is resolved through dialogue not violence
In Paxterra, conflict does not disrupt young people’s lives. While conflicts and disagreements still exist, it's not the kind that tears families apart or destroys homes; it's resolved through dialogue and conflict mediation, not violence. Young people are empowered and engaged in prevention measures by leading media literacy projects that contribute to a culture of peace.
Exclusion perpetuates inequality and injustice faced by young people
- The New Agenda for Peace was launched with prevention at its core. It encourages governments to develop inclusive strategies to address violence.
- Injustices and practices that exclude people make grievances worse and lead to increased tensions, especially for young people.
- Political and economic exclusion worsens inequalities and societal tensions among youth, resulting in distrust between them and government.
- Technology increases access to information, but it continues to amplify hate speech, disinformation, and surveillance.
Disengagement and Reintegration
Societies and solutions that leave no one behind
In Paxterra, decisionmakers have realized that to achieve peace it is wiser to invest in tools of mass construction instead of weapons of mass destruction. This new system empowered young people to create new solutions, leaving no one behind. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes steadily increased. This eventually restored peace and security in post-conflict societies. Social cohesion and reconciliation are achievable goals.
Youth-Sensitive DDR Programs: Key to Peace, Security and Unity
- Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes help to restore peace and security in post-conflict societies and promote social cohesion and reconciliation.
- Youth are among the main beneficiaries of community violence reduction programmes led by UN peacekeeping operations to build local resilience and improve livelihoods.
Youth Engagement and DDR
- Educational and vocational opportunities support young people to rebuild their lives in post-conflict societies.
- Involving young people enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts.
- When comprehensive reintegration approaches are promoted, especially those focusing on gender responsiveness, they ensure that development programs are inclusive of youth and effectively address their needs.
Partnerships
Youth as key partners for sustainable peace
In Paxterra, decision-makers know that sustainable peace can only be achieved through empowering youth while equipping them with the necessary resources. They shifted from asking 'why involve youth?' to saying 'let's be partners for peace.' Partnerships between youth and decision-makers make young people’s ideas and vision for their communities a reality.
Governments value the work of young peacebuilders, boosting support and teaming up to develop peace strategies. From grassroots movements to global initiatives, youth lead the forefront in forging partnerships for peace.
Building stronger partnerships for advancing youth peace and security
- A growing number of actors from civil society, government, youth organizations, and the UN are joining multi-stakeholder partnerships to collectively champion the youth, peace and security agenda at all levels.
- 25 countries are working on plans and strategies to advance youth, peace and security at the country-level.
- New regional and country-level platforms to strengthen collaboration on youth, peace and security were created in the EU, the Great Lakes region, the Nordic region, the Sahel, and West Africa.
What did peace and security look like on Earth between 2022 and 2023?
- The number of armed conflicts increased. Since 2022, the number of conflict-related deaths has surpassed a 28-year high leading to catastrophic consequences for people and societies.
- The advancement of the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals advancement was lagging.
- Young people continued to lose trust in governments and institutions.
How did the United Nations advance youth, peace and security on Earth during that time?
- In 2022, the General Assembly set up the United Nations Youth Office to lead advocacy and engagement on youth issues across the United Nations in peace and security, development, and human rights.
- In 2023, different UN entities held training sessions to help countries get a better understanding of the youth, peace and security agenda.
- Between 2022 to 2023, the number of UN entities which included youth, peace and security into their strategic plans increased from 9 entities to 22.
What role did the UN Security Council play in advancing the YPS agenda between 2022 and 2023?
- The Security Council held two special meetings and one side-event about youth, peace and security.
- From 2022 to 2023, 34 out of 104 Security Council resolutions (decisions) mentioned young people.
- In 2023, the mentions to young people in Security Council resolutions was the lowest it has been since 2018.
- In 2022, three young people and in 2023 four youth briefed the Security Council. This is fewer than the years 2020 and 2021.
How was the YPS agenda funded between 2022-2023?
- Increased political commitment did not translate into financing for the youth, peace and security agenda. Because of the lack of resources, it was hard for young people, especially those from marginalized groups, to get involved in peacebuilding.
- Even though more money went into peace efforts, it did not go directly to youth-led groups in conflict-affected areas. Usually, the funding was short term with these youth groups getting less than $5,000 a year.
Message from the Future: 2042
Recommendations for the UN Security Council
- Include a youth, peace and security lens in peacekeeping and political mission mandates and work.
- Organize an annual Security Council open debate on youth, peace and security.
- Increase youth participation in Security Council meetings and its work; update the Council´s methods to enhance youth engagement and protection.
Recommendations for Governments and Regional Organizations
- Ensure safe and meaningful youth participation; by including YPS elements into the Summit of the Future and the Pact..
- Promote youth inclusion in all phases of peace processes.
- Increase youth participation in decision-making and electoral processes; uphold their rights to assembly, association, expression, and public participation.
- Make the youth, peace and security agenda a solid part of institutions by (a) creating local, national, and regional roadmaps and frameworks for action; and (b) increasing investment in youth-led conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives.
Recommendations for the United Nations
- Support national governments in including youth, peace, and security into national plans and strategies.
- Advocate for youth participation and protection and include at-risk young peacebuilders and human rights defenders in all protection efforts.
- Track progress and investments on youth, peace, and security using a new system.
What is the Secretary-General´s report on Youth, Peace and Security?
- Mandated by the UN Security Council (2535) and is published on a biannual basis.
- Takes stock of global developments of the youth, peace and security agenda.
- Contributions come from various actors, including governments, civil society, youth groups, regional bodies, and the UN.
- Provides examples of YPS progress globally, regionally, and nationally, along with recommendations for member states, the Security Council, and the United Nations.
Interested in learning more? Here's how you can be a #Youth4Peace advocate!
- Read the Secretary-General's report on YPS here.
- Translated versions can be accessed here.
- Watch the UN Security Council debate on young women here.
- Check out the ways to get involved here.