How young people contribute to peace

Today, young people, are using their passion, creativity and digital savvy to advocate for a more peaceful and just world.

From marching in the streets to mobilizing on social media, young activists are raising awareness about injustices and protesting against wars. Some are using their artistic talents to spread messages of unity and understanding through music, film and various other forms of creative expression.

Many are actively involved in rebuilding communities devastated by violence and conflict. They serve as aid workers, peacekeepers and volunteers, working tirelessly to help to create more peaceful and resilient societies at home and abroad. Their dedication demonstrates that lasting peace requires all members of society to work together, regardless of age.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged the crucial role of youth. As he stated at the UN Youth Forum, "Every generation serves as caretaker of this world. Let's be honest: Mine has been careless with that responsibility. But yours gives me hope."

Read on to learn about some ways that young people are contributing to peace in their countries and globally, leading the way to a more just and equitable world.

Do keep in mind that everyone has a role in building a more peaceful world. For inspiration and ideas, check out UN ActNow’s A Peaceful World campaign.

Rise of youth digital activism

A recent UNICEF report, "Youth, Protests, and the Polycrisis," revealed a significant rise in youth participation and leadership in non-violent mass movements and peaceful protests since 1990.

The digital age has empowered young people to reshape political activism. Social media and online platforms have become powerful tools for mobilizing collective action, transcending borders with unprecedented speed. Technology has made it easier and more affordable to organize events, share information and connect with like-minded individuals.

Young people are at the forefront of this digital revolution, transforming how social movements reach and engage audiences online. As the majority of global Internet users, they have diversified movement tactics, harnessing digital tools to reach and mobilize more like-minded people.

UN online campaigns like ActNow and UN Peacekeeping’s Peace Begins with Me empower individuals to support global peace efforts and foster tolerance,understanding,and solidarity within their communities. Additonally, movements such as UN Women’s UNITE to End Violence against Women and its civil society-led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence work to stomp out gender-based violence.

Digital activism often complements in-person actions. UNICEF notes that the Internet and social media foster "connective action," mobilizing people to participate in social movements and occupy public spaces to express their views. By raising awareness of critical issues, young activists are building public support for change.

Working for peace

In war-torn regions across the globe, young people are rising as powerful agents of peace. Driven by the hope for a better future, they help to mend broken communities and forge understanding, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Anzhelika Bielova, a young Ukrainian activist, champions the rights of Roma women amid the ongoing war. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and minorities, her organization, the Voice of Romni, strives to ensure Roma women receive essential humanitarian aid.

In Haiti, Matienge, a young woman from Cité Soleil, has become a mediator with support from a UN Peacebuilding Fund project. In a nation grappling with gang violence, she plays a crucial role in facilitating conflict resolution and promoting peace within her community.

The UN Volunteers runs a programme for Youth Volunteers, deploying young people to support UN organzations in essential humanitarian, political and development operations. In 2023, more than 2,000 young people served across the world as part of the programme.

“They [young people] inject energy and enthusiasm into their work. They innovate, help lift overall performance, and serve as role models to other young people,” said the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, referring to the tens of thousands of young people who serve as peacekeepers around the world.

Young peacekeepers like Pacific Akilimali, who grew up amid decades of violence in North Kivu, now works in the aviation team at the UN peace operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He penned an inspirational poem called “Peace begins with me” with Nigerian peace activist and poet Maryam Bukar Hassan to mark the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping in 2023.

There are also many young women who continue to serve in peacekeeping missions, providing outstanding support. In 2023, Radhika Senwas awarded the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award for helping to setup networks for Congolese people to voice their security and humanitarian concerns.

That same year, Renita Rismayanti received the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award for conceptualizing and developing a database that allows the UN Police team at the UN Mission in the Central African Republic to map and analyse crime hotspots in the country. At 27, she was the youngest recipient in the Award’s 13-year history.

How can you contribute to peace?

Remember: you do not need to be a renowned peacemaker to make a difference – your contribution can begin within your own community or online. By using your voice to spark conversations on non-violence, human rights and peace, you are already taking a step towards a better future. Every action, no matter how big or small, has the potential to create a ripple effect and inspire others to join the movement for peace.

Check out the UN ActNow’s A Peaceful World and UN Peacekeeping’s Peace Begins with Me campaigns.