Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
At the first United Nations Peacebuilding Week, young peacebuilders from Afghanistan, Ghana, Canada, and Côte d’Ivoire gathered at UN Headquarters to discuss advancing peace. They identified funding shortages, limited trust in youth leadership, suppression of civil society, and lack of protection for outspoken youth as key obstacles to their work.
Jenn Hernandez of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders noted that women in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia seek partnerships with the private sector and technical skills development. She emphasized the importance of lasting, collaborative, and intergenerational partnerships to equip youth to support future generations.
Issah Toha Shamsoo from Ghana shared how witnessing a violent event in 2019 motivated him to bring people together for dialogue and relationship-building, demonstrating youth agency in peacebuilding even without formal recognition.
Linda Dempah from Côte d’Ivoire referenced the country's history of coups and civil conflict, adding that stable employment and entrepreneurship help prevent individuals from engaging in disruptive activities or joining armed groups.
Yahya Qanie from Afghanistan described challenges including high experience requirements for funding and limited financial support. With the Taliban now in control, youth civic spaces have closed, young activists face repercussions, and schools are seeing increased youth radicalization. While the focus was previously on women’s participation, the issue now includes youth as a whole under the new regime.