UNSCR 2250 youth, peace and security

Youth must be provided with meaningful opportunities for advancing peace and security, so that everyone has the chance to live a good life without fear and violence.

Why is UNSCR 2250 important?

Currently, there are 1.8 billion young people (10-24 years old) in the world. During the next decade a billion young people will be entering the labour market. This staggering amount of youth creates a unique opportunity to further sustainable development and peace, but only as long as young people are included in decision-making and the advancement of peace.

Unemployment and unequal access to education harms especially young women and girls. Youth often make up the majority of the population in countries experiencing armed conflicts; over 600 million youth. Active, meaningful and systematic youth participation at all levels is therefore key in preventing radicalization, building safe and secure countries and advancing peace.

Supports youth as active participants and peacebuilders

Instead of seeing youth as victims or perpetrators, the resolution recognizes the role youth play as active agents for sustainable peace. Youth must be included in decision-making at all levels.

Advances representation and participation

UNSCR 2250 calls for member states to take into consideration the needs and views of youth and to include young people in peace processes at all phases.

Strengthens cooperation between different sectors

Peace building must be participatory. The resolution advances cooperation between the UN, governments, civil society, youth organizations, private sector and other relevant actors.

Provides tools to tackle violent extremism

Majority of young people want to live in a peaceful world. Youth possess great potential for tackling violence and violent extremism. Youth should also play a key role in achieving sustainable peace. States together with the international community should invest in quality education and employment opportunities for young people.

Improves practices to ensure youth participation is meaningful

The resolution requests the UN Secretary General to study positive youth engagement in peace processes and conflict resolution. Better informed decision-making will result in improved practices and approaches for sustainable peace.

Ensures accountable follow-up

The resolution requests an annual discussion in the UN Security Council on the progress of the resolution.

Five key pillars

It is of utmost importance that building and maintaining peace and security includes youth involvement at all levels; from our own communities to national and international levels.

The title of resolution 2250 is “Maintenance of International Peace and Security” which is a reference to Chapter 7, Article 39 in the UN Charter. Security Council Resolutions under Chapter 7 are binding.

Participation

Take youth’s participation and views into account in decision-making processes, from negotiation and prevention of violence to peace agreements.

Prevention

Support young people in preventing violence and in promoting a culture of tolerance and intercultural dialogue.

Protection

Ensure the protection of young civilians’ lives and human rights, and investigate and prosecute those responsible for crimes perpetrated against them.

Partnerships

Engage young people during and after conflict when developing peacebuilding strategies, along with community actors and United Nations bodies.

Disengagement & Reintegration

Invest in youth affected by armed conflict through employment opportunities, inclusive labour policies and education promoting a culture of peace.

Resources

Further resources in English can be accessed through the following links. To read more about the implementation of the UNSCR 2250 in Finland, please visit the NAP page.

UNSCR 2250

UNSCR 2419

Guiding Principles on Young People’s Participation in Peacebuilding

A Guide to UN Security Council Resolution 2250

Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

Amman Youth Declaration on Youth, Peace and Security

Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security