Peace is more than just the absence of violence and as such, is of universal concern. There is a symbiotic relationship between peace, security, development and human rights. In order to achieve peace, there is a need to address symptoms of violence (negative peace) and engage the underlying causes of inequality and social injustice (positive peace). Peace also involves the need to safeguard the planet and identify the risk of climate change as a source of conflict impacting future generations.

For most young people, conceptions of peace and security are also deeply personal, associated with well-being and happiness – described as physical, structural and psychological, touching upon issues of belonging, dignity, hope and the absence of fear. It is also fundamentally gendered, particularly in relation to personal safety, with sexual and gender-based violence as a core concern.

The World Youth Report on “Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” by the United Nations indicates that today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population. Youth are being referred to as the “torchbearers” of the 2030 Agenda and have a pivotal role to play both as beneficiaries of actions and policies under the Agenda and as partners and participants in its implementation.

Across the globe, there are extraordinary young people creatively seeking ways to prevent violence and consolidate peace in conflict-affected societies as well as in those enjoying relative peace. The active engagement of youth in peace, security and sustainable development efforts is central to achieving sustainable, inclusive and stable societies by the target date, and to averting the worst threats and challenges to sustainable development, including the impacts of climate change, unemployment, poverty, gender inequality, conflict, and migration. The crucial contribution they can make should be supported, harnessed and leveraged.