Nearly half of young people live in conflict-affected countries, and most are in less developed regions, facing compounded challenges from climate hazards and insecurity. Credit: UNDP Lebanon
UN Development Programme – empowering youth as partners in development and peacebuilding
At the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), young people are not simply participants in development and peacebuilding – they are essential partners in shaping more inclusive and resilient societies.
UNDP works at the ground level to break down the barriers that keep young people out of public life, expand economic opportunity, and ensure that global commitments like the Youth, Peace and Security agenda translate into meaningful change in their daily lives.
From tackling unemployment and closing digital divides to strengthening youth leadership and inclusive governance, UNDP supports young people as innovators and peacebuilders. When young people are trusted to lead, they help bridge divides, strengthen social cohesion, and advance solutions that make societies safer, fairer, and more sustainable.
We asked UNDP five quick questions to learn more about their vision and impact.
Why are young people key to building lasting peace?
Peace lasts when young people are decision-makers, not bystanders. Their leadership strengthens legitimacy, rebuilds trust within and between communities, and connects peace to everyday governance.
They drive inclusive solutions, design systems, transform institutions, and ensure policies reflect young people's rights and priorities, making peace more durable and meaningful.
The North West Climate-Peace Hubs initiative has trained 150 young people from conflict-affected areas in solar power installation. Credit: UNDP Nigeria
Name one way the UN Development Programme (UNDP) empowers young people to become agents of peace?
UNDP empowers young people by including them as partners in development and peacebuilding.
We support youth-led initiatives and build capacities of young people to take part in governance and peace processes, including at the local level. In the Great Lakes region of Africa, for example, UNDP has supported young people to engage in local peace committees and cross-community intergenerational dialogues, helping reduce tensions and strengthen trust between communities.
"UNDP empowers young people by including them as partners in development and peacebuilding."
UN Development Programme
In Peru, the Jóvenes Tejiendo Ciudadanía (Young People Weaving Citizenship) is a space for dialogue and for promoting a youth agenda. Credit: UNDP Peru/Bruno Cámara
If you could bust one myth about youth, what would it be?
Myth: Young people are unprepared for responsibility.
Across contexts, young people already manage organizations, mediate conflict, and shape public policy, often in fragile and high-risk settings. The challenge is not readiness – it is access. When institutions open space and share power, young people deliver durable peace outcomes.
"When institutions open space and share power, young people deliver durable peace outcomes."
UN Development Programme
UNDP Timor-Leste supported the National Parliament of Timor-Leste in establishing its Parlamento dos Jovens (Youth Parliament) in 2024. The Demokrasia Bis, UNDP’s Mobile Citizens Lab, also supported civic engagement and amplified young people’s voices. Credit: Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste
What keeps youth moving when things get tough?
The determination of young people working in difficult environments. Even amid conflict, exclusion, and uncertainty, young people continue organizing, innovating, and engaging institutions and communities.
Their commitment and creativity in building fairer systems – often with limited resources – are a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
"Even amid conflict, exclusion, and uncertainty, young people continue organizing, innovating, and engaging institutions and communities."
UN Development Programme
What's one action anyone, anywhere, can take to support young people's contribution to peace?
Listen – and act on what you hear. Take young people seriously in classrooms, communities, workplaces, and public spaces.
Move beyond consultation toward partnership by supporting youth leadership and inclusive decision-making. Peace grows when everyday choices reflect trust in young people's leadership.
"Listen – and act on what you hear. Take young people seriously in classrooms, communities, workplaces, and public spaces."
UN Development Programme
Learn more about UNDP's work on youth empowerment and youth, peace and security. Follow @UNDP4Youth on Instagram for more information on their initiatives.