Expertise knows no age: Youth as partners for peace

The 62nd Munich Security Conference is taking place this weekend, with decision-makers from all over the world expected to attend. At the time of writing, it was unclear which topics would dominate the news around this year's leading security policy forum. But the focus is unlikely to be on young voices and perspectives on security policy.

This example is emblematic of the fact that young people are largely marginalised in peace and security policy discussions and decisions. This wastes potential and underestimates their relevance for long-term peace. Young people are involved in conflicts and their resolution in many different ways: they are not only disproportionately affected by them, for example through the recruitment of armed groups, but also actively contribute to more peaceful and secure societies worldwide. They use very different forms and levels to do so; from mobilisation on the streets and online to art and dance, from local organisations to transnational networks.

Youth as peace activists - also in Europe

In 2015, the UN Security Council recognised for the first time that young people make important and positive contributions to peace and security efforts. This officially established the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and identified five areas of action: 1) participation; 2) protection; 3) prevention; 4) partnerships; and 5) disengagement and reintegration. Despite significant progress, implementation is uneven and hesitant worldwide, including in Europe.

The agenda's lack of resonance is due to many factors. There are widespread stereotypes that associate young people with violence and portray them as a threat - for example in the context of radicalisation. This leads to a so-called "policy panic" and ignores the fact that the majority of young people are not violent. In addition, the effective involvement of young people in peace and security efforts is being pushed into the background in the face of ever more armed conflicts and further crises. Prioritising other issues overlooks the fact that more inclusive approaches lead to more long-term peace. However, as there are more young people globally than ever before, what is needed right now is not less, but more focus on youth as partners for peace. The effective involvement of young people is not optional, but necessary for more peaceful and secure societies.

This also applies to Germany and Europe. However, the agenda for youth, peace and security is seen here, if at all, primarily as a foreign policy issue. This ignores the fact that young people in Europe are exposed to various forms of direct and indirect violence, such as racism, and that problems such as increasing social polarisation and right-wing extremism pose a threat to democracy, peace and security. In addition, Europe's legitimacy and credibility in supporting young people in other countries and regions also depends on its own implementation of the agenda. Here it is important to avoid double standards and to learn from players who are further along in the implementation process - for example from the African continent.

Cross-generational cooperation as the key

Strong partnerships across age groups are needed to overcome current challenges. Discussions about pensions or functioning healthcare systems make it clear that the generations are dependent on each other. But there is a lack of cross-generational cooperation. This is evident in the way political and social debates are conducted, for example on the reintroduction of compulsory military service or combating the climate crisis: Even if these peace and security policy issues directly affect young people, they are mainly talked about instead of with young people.

In the context of youth participation, there are recurring patterns in communication and behaviour. Firstly, young people are often described as the future of a country. This is not wrong, but it shifts the relevance of decisions for the reality of their lives and the necessity of their participation from the present to the indefinite future. Secondly, young people are often only involved in connection with "youth issues". However, youth as a cross-cutting issue is relevant for all areas and young people bring important expertise from their real lives for all policy areas, including security policy. Thirdly, although there is usually fundamental support for the involvement of young people, there is little will to structurally change the status quo. As a result, youth participation often remains a symbolic gesture.

Serious intergenerational partnerships require young people to be involved in processes from the very beginning, not just at the end: For example, a project must be jointly planned, implemented and evaluated. Older people need to be willing to share power and realise that all generations benefit from the effective involvement of young people in peace and security efforts. However, cross-generational cooperation is not a one-way street. It requires mutual trust and understanding from all actors.

Expertise for peace and security

Effective youth participation also means taking young people seriously. That is why we at BKHS have developed a platform that focuses on this expertise in the field of peace and security. In various formats, we present the perspectives of young experts from all over the world on these topics. Texts and videos make it clear that the agenda for youth, peace and security is more than just a UN resolution. What does young people's commitment to the climate have to do with it? Why does Lebanonneed a National Action Plan for Youth, Peace and Security and what is it anyway? And what can we learn from the efforts of young people in the Philippines, Serbia, Argentina or Gambia?

The contributions are available in German, English and partly also in the native language of the experts. The contributions inform and inspire and are relevant for young and older people, for actors from politics, administration and practice and for anyone who is simply curious. Whether you have never heard of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda or have been working on it for years, you are sure to find something new. You can find the platform and more information about our Gen P(eacebuilder) project here.