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Engaging Youth in Building Peace

An International Day of Peace Twitter Chat

Friday, September 19, 2014 / By: Megan Chabalowski

Publication Type: Analysis and Commentary

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From soccer games to theatre productions to entrepreneurial investments, young people are mobilizing to promote peace, according to participants in a September 16 Twitter chat on youth and peacebuilding. The chat showed the important role youth play as a force for peace in a world dominated by violent headlines.

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Global Peacebuilding Center staff members participate in the #PeaceDayChat. From left: Megan Chabalowski, Ann-Louise Colgan, Denson Staples.

According to the World Bank, almost half of the world’s population is under the age of 25, making this largest generation a key player in resolving conflicts. The Global Peacebuilding Center (GPC) at the U.S. Institute of Peace organized the Twitter chat as part of an effort to affirm the power of young people to build a more peaceful world. The effort marks the International Day of Peace on September 21, when people around the world show their support for the ideals of peace and take action to end violent conflict.

In Tuesday’s chat, the GPC (@buildingpeace on Twitter) asked participants to discuss why the International Day of Peace matters to them, and why young people are key partners in building peace. One participant responded: 

Other participants highlighted that the day simultaneously glorifies peace while making it a “practical reality” by showcasing real people taking simple actions. For example, participants in the chat have created campaigns encouraging youth to sign pledges to end violent conflict or to commit acts of kindness, posted videos about how investing in youth can contribute to sustainable peace, and raised funds to aid those affected by Ebola in Liberia.

Youth bring particular qualities to peacebuilding, including energy, creativity, and divergent thinking. Research shows that we lose creativity as we grow older, and peacebuilding requires thinking outside of the box. Youth have big ideas about how to change their own communities and the world, and the capacity to implement them.

Participants in the chat shared examples of the young peacebuilders who inspire them: 

While youth have a remarkable capacity to contribute to peacebuilding and to manage conflicts, they also face challenges, such as lack of access to education, resources, decision-making processes, and other sources of empowerment. They also need specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to build peace year-round:

As the International Day of Peace approaches and the world remains in turmoil, with violent conflicts dominating the news, it is important to remember the work that does not make the headlines. Young people around the world – even in places of conflict – are taking action to shape a more peaceful future. Join us in affirming the power of youth as peacebuilders. 

Read the entire conversation on Twitter.

Learn more about the Global Peacebuilding Center.

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