The UN’s top political and peacebuilding official on Wednesday emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of societies, stressing the need to involve them in decision-making on issues ranging from conflict to climate change.
“The potential and opportunity for renewal that young people represent means…that they must be part of the broader discussions shaping our societies,” UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo told ambassadors in the Security Council.
With youth constituting 55 per cent of the population in the southern and eastern Mediterranean, their voices cannot be ignored, she said.
Reflecting on the 2011 demonstrations that swept across some Arab nations in the region, she highlighted that “youth were at the forefront of these movements, protesting disenfranchisement and the lack of economic opportunity and employment.”
Ms. DiCarlo’s was briefing the Security Council debate on the theme, The role of young persons in addressing security challenges in the Mediterranean, convened by Malta in its capacity as the President of the 15-member Council for April.
Disproportionate impacts
Despite their resilience, young people face disproportionate impacts from conflicts and climate crises.
The brutal 7 October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza have taken a devastating toll, where 70 per cent of the enclave’s population is under 30 years old. Furthermore, all schools across the Strip are closed, impacting more than 625,000 students.
The trauma, violence, and food insecurity resulting from such conflicts underscores the urgent need for peacebuilding efforts that prioritize youth involvement, Ms. DiCarlo said.
“We have witnessed this spirit of innovation in our special political missions where we have increasingly deployed new technologies to organize digital consultations with youth,” she added, citing examples from Libya and Lebanon, where such dialogues helped provide better understanding of young people’s views and aspirations, and to reflect them in the UN’s work.
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefs the Security Council meeting on maintenance of international peace and security.
Climate change
The climate crisis further compounds the challenges faced by Mediterranean youth, Ms. DiCarlo continued, especially as the region is warming around 20 per cent faster than the global average.
She underscored the importance of youth-led climate action, citing their active participation in international forums such as the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings.
“Young women are often at the forefront of these movements, advocating for a gender lens at all stages of policy and decision-making related to climate risks,” she said.
Harness the potential
To harness the potential of youth as positive agents of change, the senior UN official also called for increased investment and support from regional and multilateral organizations.
“Investing in youth is investing in peace,” she stressed, urging greater interactions between Security Council members and young people.
Concluding her remarks, she called on the Council “to continue to champion the youth, peace and security agenda, which is critical for the Mediterranean region and beyond.”
Elliot is an award-winning journalist passionate about international affairs and humanitarian causes. Elliot has covered stories from conflict zones and areas devastated by disasters, highlighting critical global issues.
How can we ensure that youth are effectively included in decision-making processes to address conflicts and climate change issues?
To effectively include youth in decision-making processes regarding conflicts and climate change issues, it is essential to create platforms for meaningful youth participation. This can be achieved through establishing youth councils, organizing forums for youth to express their perspectives, and ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in policy-making. Empowering young people with education and skills in conflict resolution and environmental sustainability is also crucial for their active involvement in shaping a peaceful and sustainable future.
Investing in youth brings hope and potential to build a peaceful future. Young people’s voices and perspectives are essential in shaping societies and addressing critical issues like conflict and climate change.
Investing in youth is crucial for building a peaceful future. It’s inspiring to see how young people are driving positive change in our societies. They should definitely have a seat at the table when decisions are made about important issues like conflict and climate change.
Investing in youth is crucial for building a more peaceful world. Young people’s fresh perspectives and energy have the power to drive positive change in our societies. It’s time to prioritize their involvement in decision-making processes on critical issues like conflict resolution and climate action.
Investing in youth is crucial for securing a peaceful future. Young people must be actively engaged in decision-making processes to shape our societies and address pressing issues like conflict and climate change. Their voices cannot be overlooked, as demonstrated by the pivotal role youth played in the Arab Spring movements. It is imperative to recognize and harness the potential and energy that young individuals bring to the table.
“I completely agree that investing in youth is crucial for building a peaceful future. Their perspectives and actions are essential in addressing a wide range of challenges, and it’s important to involve them in decision-making processes. Young people have the potential to bring about positive change and should be valued for their unique contributions.”
“As a young person myself, I couldn’t agree more with the importance of including youth in decision-making processes regarding peace and security. Our perspectives and energy can truly make a difference in shaping a better future for all.”
As a young person myself, I strongly believe that involving youth in decision-making processes is crucial for building peaceful societies and addressing security challenges. We bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a deep commitment to creating positive change. Ignoring the voices of the youth means missing out on innovative solutions and sustainable development in the long run.
As a young adult myself, I strongly believe that involving the youth in decision-making processes is crucial for building peaceful and sustainable societies. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas can truly make a difference in addressing security challenges and promoting peace worldwide.
Investing in youth is crucial for building a peaceful future. Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. They should be actively included in decision-making processes to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable society.