The latest population data from the United Nations (UN) reveal that the world currently has the largest youth population ever. There are about 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24, which equals 24% of the world population. This means that one out of every four people worldwide falls into this age group. Despite this significant number of people, youth involvement in solving global issues is still relatively low and youth often underrepresented. In view of concerns that young people have not been sufficiently included in political, economic and social activities, platforms and processes, social inclusion and recognition of youth were the primary issues of a discussion that took place at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 20 June 2017.
The discussion—moderated by Stephen Jackson, Chief of Policy Planning and Guidance, 缅北禁地Department of Political Affairs— was based on the Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security ( ). Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), adopted in 2015, requested the Secretary-General to carry out a progress study on youth's positive contribution to peace processes and conflict resolution, in order to recommend effective responses at local, national, regional and international levels. The Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security aims to address YPS issues and help counter negative stereotypes about young people. These include their portrayal as primary perpetrators or potential spoilers of peace processes. The study is intended to produce recommendations and more inclusive approaches to involving youth in solving global challenges, as well as to preparing more effective youth policies.
In presenting the Progress Study, Graeme Simpson, Director of Interpeace USA, elaborated four strategies to lift up young people's voices:
1.?Regional consultation, through which participants share stories and experiences in order to foster a better understanding of each others' perspectives, particularly of those from other regions.?
2.?Country case studies documenting the involvement of young men and women in peace and security issues. Such studies are being conducted through desk research, review of available country-level data and key informant interviews.?
3.?Focus group discussions that engage various hard to reach young people, such as former combatants and forced migrants. Such discussions are being entrusted to peacebuilding organizations in 20 countries.?
4. Engaging expertise of various civil society partners, 缅北禁地agencies and members of the Advisory Group of Experts for the Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security to garner evidence on thematic issues of vital importance to young people, including youth empowerment, violence prevention, gender equality and youth development.
Simpson concluded that it is critical for Member States and governments to incorporate youth issues into their development agendas. Empowering youth is also seen as critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Findings from the study will be presented to the Security Council in 2018.