Speaking at the opening of the Global Summit on Youth Peace Processes, which took place online, Mr urge international community to increase support.
He said many young peacemakers, especially young women, report that their participation is not welcomed by the public or those in power.
“We need to ensure that young people have a seat at the table – creating comprehensive solutions that combine peace and security, sustainable development and human rights,“I said.
Expand investment
The Secretary-General listed examples of UN support, including the passage of the Peace Building Committee, which has provided young peacebuilders with a platform to present their work. their work and recommendations.
Last year, the Peace Building Fund provided nearly $26 million for projects carried out with civil society partners working in the areas of youth, peace and security.
This investment must be expanded with additional and more accessible resources, he said, to support youth-led initiatives.
New tool ‘Youth in politics’
Amid reports of threats and violations against young peacebuilders and human rights defenders, the Secretary-General also stressed the need to strengthen human rights protection and protect human rights. civic space.
“In this regard, the United Nations will develop an Index of Youth in Politics to track the opening of the political space in countries around the world that young generations are demanding very clearly,“I said.
Mr Guterres praised young people for speaking out as the world faced profound crises including COVID-19 pandemics, climate change, increased conflict and discrimination.
© UNICEF / Howard Elwyn-Jones
In Glasgow, Scotland, people take part in a pro-climate action protest, led by youth climate activists and held on the sidelines of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).
The ‘powerful’ agent for change
Despite being hit hard by these challenges, they are still at the forefront of actions and solutions.
“I salute young people around the world for speaking out – on the streets and online – and taking a stand for climate action, gender equality, racial and social justice and more.” I said.
As the world struggles to recover from the pandemic, Mr. Guterres stressed the need to address the root causes of young people’s exclusion and address Sustainable development goals (SDGs).
“We must invest in providing prospects and opportunities for young people, especially young women, and that includes education.” he say. “Youths are not only citizens with equal rights but also powerful agents of change whose voices must be fully heard.”
Raise the agenda
The two-day virtual global conference, which ends on Friday, is co-hosted by Qatar, Finland and Colombia.
Among the goals is to strengthen political will and commitment towards including youth in the making of peace agreements, with a particular focus on young women.
The Secretary-General was pleased that before the conference, the delegates presented two important documents, including the 5-year strategy on the Peace Process for Youth.
He expressed confidence that these resources will help advance the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in every country.
“You can count on me,” he told the participants. “You can count on the United Nations to continue to strengthen youth voices and support your efforts towards a peaceful, sustainable and inclusive future.”
