UNESCO’s actions are anchored in the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of leaving no one behind and fostering social cohesion. In this regard, youth constitute a key priority. Nevertheless, young people in the Caribbean SIDS face increasing levels of violence, aspects which can lead to discouragement and disillusionment. When youth are provided with opportunities for engagement and participation, they can capitalize on their resilience constructively, becoming valuable assets for peacebuilding and agents of positive change.
The Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda has gained momentum over the last years, whereby the role and contributions for peacebuilding of young people have been recognized. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) is the first international policy framework that recognizes the positive role young people play in preventing and resolving conflict and building lasting peace.
In this context, UNESCO is developing its strategy to further promote the implementation of the YPS agenda in the Caribbean where young people are recognized and supported to meaningfully engage in peacebuilding in their communities and wider society.
UNESCO youth consultation on Youth, Peace and Security
On November 28, 2021, UNESCO invited young people (18-30 years old) from the Caribbean SIDS to participate in an online consultation to share Youth, Peace and Security concepts, capture recommendations, and lessons learned specific to the issues of youth, peace and security in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.