By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The United Nations Funds for Population Activities, UNFPA Country Representative Bidisha Pillai has called on stakeholders to coordinate national efforts to promote meaningful youth participation in the peace and security agenda. Stating that peace is a cornerstone of national development.
“Together, we have a goal to increase awareness of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda and establish a multi-stakeholder platform to coordinate national efforts to promote meaningful youth participation in the peace and security agenda which is a cornerstone of national development.”
Speaking at the launch of the National Coalition on Enhancing National Youth Peace abs Security Capacities in West Africa, held June 6, 2024 at Corina Hotel in Monrovia, the UNFPA Country Representative, Bidisha Pillai stated that the establishment of a national stakeholders dialogue will increase the representation of young people and promote peace and security.
Bidisha Pillai recalled that in March this year, the Secretary General of the United Nations issued a report on youth peace and security which among many things highlighted the advancements in the youth and peace and security agenda. She added that efforts have been made to foster youth engagement processes through impactful youth-led mobilizations.
“Furthermore, increased efforts have been made to foster youth engagement in political processes through impactful youth-led mobilizations,” she said.
Despite her allusion to these advances, she stated that the report noted that persistent challenges remain, such as the growing mistrust between young people and governments, and discriminatory laws and practices based on age. She stated that it remains a prevalent challenge in many countries and hinder the meaningful participation of young people.
Moreover, she said the increase in digital threats and armed conflicts and the shrinking of civic space also pose serious protection concerns for young people. Pillai asserted that political commitment has not yet translated into increased investment in youth-led peacebuilding.
But the coalition of relevant young people organizations on youth, peace and security is an important platform for consultations, and the meaningful involvement of young people in the development of a national action plan for youth, peace, and security.
With this, she wants actors to take in consideration important recommendations in the Secretary General’sreport on youth, peace and security of March 2024 that should provide important inspiration.
She provided that in Liberia, young people’s meaningful participation and influence in programs are key to keeping our work relevant to their needs.
In furtherance, she urged stakeholders to increaseengagement with young people, intimating that engagement with young people increased possibilities to learn from young people’s experiences and perspectives to improve the processes and the quality of delivery of results to addressing their needs.
Pillai added that young people represent an untapped wellspring for peace and development.
“As we increase our work with young people, we have also increased our possibilities to learn from young people’s experiences and perspectives to improve our processes and the quality of our delivery of results to address their needs. Young people, brimming with fresh perspectives and boundless energy, represent an untapped wellspring for peace and development. In Liberia, youth comprise 75% of the population, and their active and meaningful participation is crucial.”
Meanwhile, she added that the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda goes far beyond mere inclusion and it signifies a transformative shift in approach to peace building.
She added that by harnessing the unique strengths of young people, fostering collaboration, and securing sufficient resources, the nation can cultivate a future where youth are empowered leaders and active partners in securing lasting peace
