ACCORD joined a group of civil society networks to contribute at a focus group discussion on youth inclusiveness in peace processes. The focus group was jointly hosted by the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, the UN DPPA Mediation Support Unit and Search for Common Ground, and took place virtually on 15 March 2021.
This initiative was part of a broader consultation process looking at the intersection of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and the work being done in supporting mediation and sustaining peace efforts, with the aim of co-developing a five-year strategy on strengthening the role of young women and men in peace processes. The five-year strategy is expected to offer a holistic approach to advancing this agenda, including as relates to institutional strengthening, policy development, knowledge dissemination, and practice development. It is being developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including young people, the mediation support units of international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, and experienced peace process practitioners.
The discussions enabled a better understanding on the main challenges affecting young women and men in peace processes; as well as share good practices and recommendations to improve efforts that will encourage youth inclusivity in peace processes. The discussants represented organisations from across the globe and therefore brought different perspectives to the discussions.
ACCORD will continue to collaborate and share experiences as part of its Strategic Pillar 4 that aims to increase the role of youth in peace processes.
