The Power of Youth Working for Peace and Equality
The new U.N. Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security calls for organizations around the globe to involve young women and men more in peacebuilding. On September 13, the U.S. Institute of Peace, Search for Common Ground and other partners held a Conflict Prevention and Resolution Forum including USAID Agency Youth Coordinator Michael McCabe. Speakers, including youth leaders, discussed how young women and men are leading such work and what policymakers can do to ensure that the largest generation of youth the world has ever known is not left on the sidelines.
The U.N. resolution, adopted in December, identifies young people as critical partners for peace. It aims to counter a frequent narrative that defines young men as perpetrators of violence and young women as victims. In this discussion, policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth leaders explored solutions that support youth leadership in peace and security efforts.
The event built on a 60-day initiative by the U.S. Institute of Peace to draw attention to the potential of youths to contribute to peace, especially in the area of gender equality. The effort began on International Youth Day on Aug. 12, and continued through the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21 and on to the International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11. Continue the conversation on Twitter with #YouthPeaceEquality.
Panelists
Carla Koppell
Vice President, Center for Applied Conflict Transformation, U.S. Institute of Peace
Lena Slachmuijlder
Vice President of Programs, Search for Common Ground
Michael McCabe
Agency Youth Coordinator, U.S. Agency for International Development
Victoria Ibiwoye
Executive Director, One African Child Foundation