By Precious D. Freeman
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports has begun a two-day workshop of the National Coalition on enhancing national youth, peace and security capacities in Liberia and West Africa at large.
The two-day workshop is a co-creation of various actors including the United Nations of West Africa, with the support of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).
The workshop that started yesterday in Monrovia is also central to achieving the ICPD program of actions goals, as they recognize that without young people centered peace and security the aspirations enshrined in the Program of Action may continue to be a dream in many countries
Speaking at the opening the UNFPA Representative, Bidisha Pillai, explained that the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports has been instrumental in the planning of the workshop and the coordination with the young people’s organizations.
She added that In March this year, the Secretary General of the United Nations issued a report on youth peace and security, which among many things, highlighted the advancements in the youth and peace and security agenda.
UNFPA Representative said further that many member States and regional organizations have developed new strategies and initiatives to promote the inclusion and meaningful participation of young people in peace and security affairs.
According to her, increased efforts have been made to foster youth engagement in political processes through impactful youth-led mobilizations, and that despite these advances, the report noted that persistent challenges remain, such as the growing mistrust between young people and governments, and discriminatory laws and practices based on age, which remain prevalent in many countries and hinder the meaningful participation of young people.
She noted that the increase in digital threats and armed conflicts and the shrinking of civic space also pose serious protection concerns for young people, and that political commitment has not yet translated into increased investment in youth-led peacebuilding.
“A coalition of relevant young people organizations on youth, peace and security is an important platform for consultations, and the meaningful involvement of young people in the development of a national action plan for youth, peace and security. As we embark on the process of developing this action plan, there are important recommendations in the Secretary General’s report on youth, peace and security of March 2024 that should provide important inspiration.”
She continued that UNFPA is here with Liberia in this process, because globally, young people are central to the mandate of UNFPA in all settings, which is development, humanitarian, and conflict situations.
Speaking further she added that the Liberia Youth Voices for Accelerating Implementation of the ICPD Program of Action is a coalition of 40 youth-led organizations that organize and amplify their voices and advocacy on SRHR, reflecting an example of how UNFPA continues to mobilize and connect with young people.
She intoned that UNFPA leads UN efforts in the collaboration with the Government of Liberia to address the needs of Young People who are at risk of using drugs and other substances referred to as at-risk youth.
Madam Pillai emphasized that as they increase their work with young people, they have also increased their possibilities to learn from young people’s experiences and perspectives to improve their processes and the quality of their delivery of results to addressing their needs.
“Young people, brimming with fresh perspectives and boundless energy, represent an untapped wellspring for peace and development. In Liberia, youth comprise 75% of the population, and their active and meaningful participation is crucial,” she expressed.
UNFPA Representative maintained that a cornerstone of the YPS project is the development of a comprehensive National Action Plan on youth, peace and security; a roadmap for translating international frameworks into concrete localized actions.
Giving the importance of the National Action Plan, she added that, it will be a critical tool for guiding the development and implementation of the youth, peace, and security agenda, and that this initiative champions a structured, multi stakeholder approach with youth at the helm.
“It should create safe spaces for young voices to be heard. Here, young people can articulate their concerns, identify shared goals, and prioritize strategies for advancing the youth, peace, and security agenda.”
She however agreed that the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda goes far beyond mere inclusion, because it signifies a transformative shift in the approach to peacebuilding, adding that by harnessing the unique strengths of young people, fostering collaboration, and securing sufficient resources, they can cultivate a future where youth are empowered leaders and active partners in securing lasting peace.
Meanwhile, she promised UNFPA will continue to work with their partners to collectively shape a human rights-based, evidence-informed, gender-inclusive, youth, peace and security agenda.
UNFPA stands with and works in partnership with young people every day, supporting and investing in their leadership.
