The fight for youth inclusion in global peace initiatives isn’t just an abstract idea—it's a movement gaining momentum, but here’s where it gets controversial… many still question whether young voices are truly prioritized or if they’re merely token gestures. Recently, the ECOWAS Commission took a significant step by engaging in a major international platform dedicated to Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) during a pivotal conference in Brussels, part of the European Union’s YPS Week. This event marked a decade since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, a milestone that underscores the international community’s growing recognition of young people's role in peacebuilding. It brought together youth organizations, peace activists, civil society groups, international partners, and government officials in one space to exchange ideas, share successes, and grapple with ongoing challenges in promoting youth participation in peace processes.
Youth Voices at the Forefront
The conference served as a powerful space where youth-led groups, community peace advocates, civil society, and regional bodies collaborated to craft strategies aimed at creating a more peaceful, cohesive, and stable world. Participants shared real-world experiences spanning different regions, highlighting both triumphs and persistent obstacles encountered in the application of Resolution 2250. These stories reveal a landscape of hope mixed with the reality of complex challenges—an important reminder that youth involvement isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
ECOWAS’s Dedication to Empowering Young People
Representing ECOWAS, Mr. Arthur Obayuwana affirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to bolstering youth empowerment initiatives across West Africa. He emphasized the significance of National Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Action Plans—local strategies designed to embed youth participation into the fabric of peacebuilding efforts. Currently, several countries including Nigeria, The Gambia, and Liberia have adopted these plans, demonstrating proactive steps toward institutionalizing youth inclusion. Other nations like Senegal, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Togo are in advanced stages of developing their NAPs, with crucial support from the EU-funded project aimed at enhancing peace, security, and governance within the region.
Regional Collaboration and Learning from African Experiences
A key session led by the EU’s EPSG team focused on how regional organizations can effectively localize the YPS agenda, drawing valuable lessons from African contexts where such initiatives are actively shaping policy. The discussion underscored the importance of establishing inclusive decision-making processes that genuinely represent youth interests and integrating successful practices into wider regional policies. Co-organized with Search for Common Ground, this workshop highlighted the power of collaboration in fostering sustainable peace efforts.
Global Exchange: Innovation and Lessons Learned
The EU YPS Coalition hosted an open, lively discussion about progress made, lessons learned, and priorities moving forward—both globally and within Europe. Young leaders energically shared innovative solutions and inspiring projects from around the world, illustrating how youth-driven initiatives can make a tangible difference. Furthermore, the conference addressed pressing issues such as restrictions on civic engagement for young peacebuilders, discrimination, conflict zones, and ways to deepen youth participation—especially in challenging environments like West Africa. The potential of existing tools, networks, and civil society dialogues was examined as pathways to foster more meaningful, ongoing collaboration.
Towards Consensus: A Joint Declaration
With over 120 participants—including youth representatives, civil society groups, and policymakers from 70 nations—the conference is building towards an impactful conclusion: a Joint Declaration affirming global commitments to youth, peace, and security. Additionally, a dedicated consultation session will contribute valuable insights to the upcoming second YPS Progress Study, overseen by an independent team within the United Nations Secretariat. This comprehensive report aims to map how far youth participation has come and what remains to be achieved.
In Summary
This event is more than just a gathering; it’s a vital step toward mainstreaming youth contributions in peace efforts worldwide. But here’s a question for thought—are these initiatives enough, or are we still falling short in truly elevating youth voices in decision-making processes? Share your thoughts in the comments—your perspective matters in shaping the future of peacebuilding.
