A recurring theme throughout the conference was the pivotal role that youth can play actively in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Participants highlighted that while young people are often perceived as either victims or perpetrators in conflict situations, they also have the potential to be powerful agents of change. The discussions centred on the importance of empowering youth, recognising their agency, and creating spaces for their active participation in shaping peace and justice processes.
One of the key points raised was the need to shift the narrative around youth from one of risk to one of opportunity. Traditional approaches often view young people, especially those in conflict zones, through a lens of vulnerability and danger, focusing primarily on preventing their involvement in violence. However, participants advocated for a more positive framing that sees youth as contributors to peace and development. This involves not only protecting them from harm but also actively involving them in decision-making processes and giving them the tools and opportunities to lead change in their communities.
Recognising and giving space for young people’s agency is of critical importance to allow young people to move on from experiences of trauma and help build a more positive future. Activities that require active participation were contrasted to the experience of being a passive recipient of services; even when young people require mental health services, they still need to be able to develop hope that their lives can get better. For youths who have been involved with armed groups, programming needs to help restore the sense of agency that was offered by being part of the group. When they leave these groups, they lose the sense of purpose that the group offered, while also experiencing the moral judgement of the communities that they are attempting to reintegrate to. This poses particular challenges for programming.
Participants emphasised the need for child protection to be mainstreamed across the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda. Children and youth should be central to discussions on conflict prevention and recovery, particularly in fragile contexts where they are most affected by the violence and are uniquely vulnerable, including to recruitment and use by armed forces and groups. The importance of fostering bottom-up approaches to democracy promotion was also noted, with local civil society organisations playing a pivotal role. Additionally, there is a need to bridge the gap between program design and delivery, and to apply cross-country best practices where appropriate, such as learning from successful programs in Lebanon and applying them in other regions like Iraq.
The conference then explored various strategies for effectively engaging youth in peacebuilding efforts. This included participatory approaches, encouraging the involvement of young people in the design, implementation, and evaluation of peacebuilding programs. This not only ensures that their perspectives are included but also helps to build their skills and confidence. A different approach focused on education and skill development, providing education and training opportunities that equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to peacebuilding. This includes formal education, vocational training, and leadership development programs.
Cultural and artistic expressions formed the third approach and focus on utilising creative and cultural activities, such as role-playing, photography, and storytelling, as tools for youth to express their experiences, share their perspectives, and engage in dialogue. These activities were seen as particularly effective in contexts where traditional forms of expression may be restricted or stigmatised. More generally, initiatives that are led by young people themselves allow them to take ownership of peacebuilding efforts and ensuring that these initiatives are grounded in the realities of their communities.
However, the discussions also acknowledged the significant challenges faced by youth in conflict zones. Many young people are affected by trauma, social exclusion, and a lack of economic opportunities, which can hinder their ability to participate in peacebuilding. Additionally, there are often structural barriers, such as limited access to funding and resources, that prevent youth from fully engaging in these efforts.
To overcome these challenges, participants emphasised the importance of providing targeted support to youth, particularly those who are most marginalised. This includes ensuring that funding mechanisms are accessible to youth-led organisations and that there are opportunities for young people to connect with mentors and allies who can support their efforts. The need for a more inclusive approach to funding and resources, which takes into account the specific needs and circumstances of youth in different contexts, was also highlighted.
The conference highlighted the critical importance of building social capital among young people in conflict zones. While there are many workshops and short-term initiatives available, participants emphasised the need for long-term, programmatic activities to help rebuild the social fabric and emotional resilience of children and youth. By creating environments where young people feel cared for and supported – whether by their family or through alternative support structures – interventions can mitigate the long-term damage caused by early exposure to violence. A key factor in building social capital is addressing the growing desensitisation to violence that children experience through social media. The ‘education vacuum’ around social media was identified as a significant gap in current interventions, with children being exposed to violence without the necessary context or guidance. Participants suggested that, rather than censorship, educational interventions should be developed to teach children how to critically engage with social media content, potentially through local organisations or school systems.
Participants also discussed the need to acknowledge and address the frustrations and anger felt by many young people in conflict zones. These frustrations, if not channelled productively, could lead to greater traction for extremist groups. The conference acknowledged that many young people are attracted to subversive activities as a form of expression. Therefore, there is a need to create alternative pathways for this energy, allowing youth to engage in constructive, ‘subversive’ actions that challenge oppressive systems without resorting to violence, including through humour and the arts. The challenge, however, lies in how to fund and support such initiatives in different countries, particularly those where any subversive activities are seen as a threat to the status quo.
In conclusion, the conference underscored the critical role of youth in building and sustaining peace in conflict-affected regions. By empowering young people and creating opportunities for their active participation, policymakers and practitioners can harness their potential as drivers of positive change. The discussions called for a renewed commitment to youth empowerment in peacebuilding, with a focus on inclusion, education, and the recognition of youth as essential partners in the pursuit of lasting peace.