In the realms of peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and development cooperation, young people have traditionally been seen either as victims or perpetrators of conflict or merely as project targets and beneficiaries. However, the narrative around youth in conflict-affected settings has evolved, leading to the establishment of the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, or YPS-Agenda (UNSCR 2250, 2015). It is the first agenda of the United Nations to recognize youth as vital agents for sustainable peace. But what does this look like in reality? How are young people actually engaging civically for peace and being involved in decision-making processes at local, national, regional, and international levels? What is the added value of such an engagement?
In this new edition of à propos, KOFF members delve into the critical importance of fostering peace through the active involvement of young people. They highlight the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives and the necessity of integrating young voices into peacebuilding efforts. By exploring practical strategies and sharing success stories and challenges, this edition aims to provide valuable insights into how to effectively contribute to youth engagement in line with the YPS Agenda and beyond.
I wish you a pleasant read.
Sanjally Jobarteh, editor of KOFF magazine