Text of UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi’s message on UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security.
Today is a historic day for young people as the UN Security Council has just adopted, for the first time ever, a new resolution on Youth, Peace and Security.
This resolution is a message of hope to more than 600 million young people who live in fragile and conflict-affected settings. These young people are too often portrayed only as victims or perpetrators of conflict, and are rarely invited to participate in the decision making processes that influence their lives.
Today’s Security Council Resolution acknowledges the critical contributions of young people in peacebuilding and in countering violent extremism, and recognizes the important role of youth in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
The adoption of this resolution affirms that young people are actively engaged in shaping lasting peace and security.
When conflicts come to a close, too often young people are not represented at cease-fire and peace negotiations. Instead, we normally find the negotiating table is lined with old people.
Youth cannot be sent to die and not be sent to negotiate. They have to be sent as well to negotiate peace. The Security Council Resolution makes it clear today that we must give young people a seat at the table.
The resolution calls upon all Member States to live up to this commitment and establish integrated mechanisms for the full and meaningful participation of young people in peace processes and to combat violent extremism.
Thousands of youth have raised their voices calling for the adoption of today’s groundbreaking resolution.
The adoption of today’s resolution is culmination of years of work and advocacy from young peacebuilders, civil society and UN entities, including more than 11,000 young people involved in the development of the Amman Youth Declaration on Youth, Peace and Security.
But now we ask young people to seize this momentum and to do more.
Call upon your Governments to take action and to live up to their commitments.
Reach out to your peers and engage them in constructive dialogue to promote peace.
Create and join organizations and initiatives aimed at building sustainable and peaceful societies.
And be leaders in your own communities, committing yourselves to preventing violent extremism, both online and offline. Youth for peace should not only be a trending hashtag, but a resounding call for peace and tolerance.
Today I am proud to say that you have made a difference. A real difference.
Now let us join forces and translate this resolution into meaningful action to engage this massive generation of young people to build a more just and peaceful future.
Thank you.
Message-on-UN-Security-Council-Resolution-2250-on-Youth-Peace-and-Security.pdf