Working together, the participants produced a series of recommended actions for ministries, civil society organizations and media outlets to implement to support youth in four main areas: building the capacity of youth to carry out their work effectively, establishing relevant institutions to ensure structure and continuity of the work, nurturing a favourable environment through national awareness raising and advocacy campaigns, and developing specific laws and policies where gaps currently exist.
“Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us over the past few days”, Mr. Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Libya, told participants at the closing. “The purpose of this forum was to enable you to share the wealth of your knowledge and experiences, guiding us on how best to support your ongoing work for peace. And we are here to listen.”
This event follows closely on the heels of the Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, which recognizes the important role young people play as catalysts for positive change, social development and peace in their countries especially in situations of conflict or instability, or democratic transition.
Both UNFPA and UNESCO have support for youth as one of their main priorities, having projects and activities supporting young men and women’s efforts in peace-building, participation in the political sphere, civic engagement, social and economic empowerment.
For more information, please contact Dr. Georges Makram Georgie at georgi@unfpa.org, Mr. Michael Croft at m.croft@unesco.org, or Dr. Leila Joudane at joudane@unfpa.org
(Source: UNSMIL)