YOUTH, PEACE AND SECURITY IN PRACTICE: MOVING FROM RESOLUTION TO REAL ACTION

By Marcus Odianose Ughulu
The future of global peace and sustainable development rests significantly in the
hands of young people. Across continents, youths are not only demanding a seat at
decision-making tables but are actively shaping conversations around governance,
security, social cohesion, and innovation. This reality formed the heart of the panel
discussion titled “Youth, Peace and Security in Practice” at the 13th International
Youth Conference organized by the International Organization of Youth and
hosted at University of California, Los Angeles, 21st to 24th May, 2026.
As an online delegate at the conference, I had the privilege of engaging with
powerful insights shared by distinguished speakers including Douglas Becker, Ali
Mustafa, Sarah T. Roberts, Chris Borgen, and Hira Ambreen. The discussion
centered on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution
2250 and explored practical pathways for meaningful youth participation in peace
and security processes globally.

Understanding UNSCR 2250 and Its Significance

Adopted in December 2015, UNSCR 2250 marked a historic shift in global
peacebuilding efforts by recognizing young people as partners in peace rather than
merely victims or perpetrators of conflict. The resolution emphasized five critical
pillars: participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, and disengagement and
reintegration.

More importantly, the resolution challenged governments, institutions, and civil
society organizations to intentionally create spaces where young people can
contribute to conflict prevention, mediation, reconciliation, and policy
development.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need to move beyond
symbolic youth inclusion toward practical and measurable engagement. Young
people are often invited to conferences and dialogues, yet excluded from
implementation frameworks and policy execution. This gap continues to weaken
the effectiveness of global peacebuilding initiatives.

Youth as Drivers of Peace, Not Passive Beneficiaries

One of the most striking reflections from the session was the assertion that young
people are already leading peacebuilding efforts in their communities, often
without recognition or institutional support. Across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the
Americas, youths are organizing community dialogues, combating violent
extremism, leading civic education campaigns, and promoting interfaith harmony.
The panelists stressed that the challenge is not a lack of youth capacity but a lack
of structured opportunities and investment.

This perspective strongly resonates with realities across many developing nations,
including Nigeria, where unemployment, insecurity, political distrust, and social
inequality continue to affect millions of young people. Yet despite these
challenges, Nigerian youths remain active contributors to peace advocacy,
humanitarian response, digital activism, and social impact initiatives.

The conference reinforced the truth that sustainable peace cannot be achieved
without empowering youths economically, politically, and socially.

Technology, Information, and Peacebuilding

An important dimension of the discussion focused on the role of technology and
digital information in modern peace and security efforts. Professor Sarah T.
Roberts highlighted concerns surrounding misinformation, digital manipulation,
online radicalization, and the growing influence of social media narratives on
social stability.

In today’s interconnected world, peacebuilding extends beyond physical
communities into digital spaces. False information spreads rapidly, fueling
division, hate speech, and conflict escalation. Consequently, digital literacy and
responsible information sharing have become essential components of
peacebuilding.

Young people, as the largest users of digital platforms, possess enormous power to
shape narratives that promote tolerance, unity, and coexistence. However, this
responsibility also requires critical thinking, ethical leadership, and accountability.

Religious Acceptance and Social Cohesion

Another major highlight of the session was the emphasis on religious acceptance
and inclusive dialogue. In societies increasingly polarized by religious, ethnic, and
ideological differences, the role of youths in promoting tolerance cannot be
overstated.
Hira Ambreen’s contributions underscored the importance of interfaith
engagement, community dialogue, and mutual respect as foundations for lasting
peace. Around the world, many conflicts are sustained by ignorance, fear, and
deliberate manipulation of identities. Young leaders therefore have a responsibility
to bridge divides rather than deepen them.
Peacebuilding must begin with conversations that humanize people from different
backgrounds and encourage understanding across cultural and religious
boundaries.

From Conversations to Action

While conferences and global dialogues are important, their true value lies in
implementation. The session repeatedly emphasized that the Youth, Peace and
Security agenda must move from policy documents into practical community
action.
Governments must invest in youth-led peace initiatives. Educational institutions
should integrate peace education into learning systems. Civil society organizations
must create platforms for youth participation beyond ceremonial representation.
International organizations should prioritize funding and mentorship for grassroots
youth peacebuilders.
Most importantly, young people themselves must continue to rise as responsible
leaders, innovators, and advocates for justice and inclusion.

A Personal Reflection

Participating in the International Youth Conference 13 was both inspiring and
challenging. Inspiring because it showcased the immense potential of young people
to shape a more peaceful world. Challenging because it reminded us that much
work still remains to be done.
The Youth, Peace and Security agenda is not merely a United Nations framework;
it is a global call to action. It is a reminder that peace is not built solely in
government chambers or international summits, but within communities,
classrooms, digital spaces, and among ordinary young people who choose dialogue
over division.
As youths continue to confront global challenges ranging from conflict and
inequality to climate change and digital misinformation, their voices must not only
be heard, they must be trusted, empowered, and integrated into decision-making
structures.
The future of peace depends not only on preparing young people for leadership
tomorrow, but on recognizing and supporting the leadership they are already
providing today.