The Rising Tide of Youth-Led Peacebuilding: From Afghanistan to a Global Manifesto
Nearly half the world’s population is under 30, yet their voices are systematically excluded from the highest levels of decision-making – a critical oversight when addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century. This exclusion isn’t merely a matter of fairness; it’s a strategic vulnerability. The story of Nila Ibrahimi, a young Afghan activist, powerfully illustrates both the urgency of this issue and the potential of youth peacebuilding to reshape global security.
From Viral Campaigns to Global Advocacy
In 2021, Nila Ibrahimi faced a stark choice: remain in Afghanistan and risk persecution under the Taliban for her outspoken advocacy for girls’ rights, or flee. Having already proven her power as a teenager – leading a successful campaign to overturn a ban on girls singing in public – she understood the danger. Now based in Canada, Ibrahimi hasn’t paused her work. She founded HerStory, an organization dedicated to documenting the experiences of girls in Afghanistan and the diaspora, ensuring their stories aren’t silenced. “I do my best to tell the stories of girls who have been banned from going to school,” she explains. “It’s emotional work, but if it motivates just one person to do something, then I think that I have done enough.”
UN Resolution 2250: Recognizing Young People as Peacebuilders
Ibrahimi’s work gained international recognition at a UN event commemorating the tenth anniversary of Security Council Resolution 2250. This landmark resolution formally acknowledges young people as active partners in maintaining and promoting international peace and security. While the resolution has spurred initiatives in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, and Honduras – with the development of national Youth, Peace & Security (YPS) action plans – Afghanistan remains a notable exception. This highlights a crucial gap: recognition without implementation is insufficient.
The Power of Peace Circles and the ‘Act Now’ Campaign
The UN’s “Act Now for Peace” campaign, running through September 2026, is attempting to bridge this gap through initiatives like Peace Circles. These informal dialogues, requiring at least 50% under-30 participation, provide a platform for young leaders to connect with senior officials, share experiences, and contribute to crucial UN projects. Ibrahimi found these circles invaluable. “Just being in their presence has been a big privilege and opportunity to not just talk about my own story and raise the voices of Afghan women but also learn from others,” she reflects. The discussions from these circles will directly inform the UN Secretary-General’s Independent Study on youth contributions to peace and a forthcoming Global Youth Peace Manifesto.
Beyond Recognition: Addressing Systemic Barriers to Youth Participation
However, simply creating spaces for youth participation isn’t enough. Systemic barriers – including lack of funding, limited access to decision-making processes, and societal biases – continue to hinder young people’s ability to effect meaningful change. A recent report by Search for Common Ground highlights the need for increased investment in youth-led organizations and the development of mentorship programs to support emerging leaders. Furthermore, the focus must shift from viewing young people as beneficiaries of peacebuilding efforts to recognizing them as essential agents of change.
The Role of Technology and Digital Activism
Technology plays a pivotal role in amplifying youth voices and facilitating peacebuilding efforts. Social media platforms, while presenting challenges related to misinformation and online harassment, provide powerful tools for mobilization, advocacy, and storytelling – as demonstrated by Ibrahimi’s early success. The rise of digital activism allows young people to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with global audiences. However, digital access remains unevenly distributed, creating a digital divide that must be addressed to ensure equitable participation.
Looking Ahead: A Future Shaped by Youth Leadership
The experiences of activists like Nila Ibrahimi, coupled with the momentum generated by UN Resolution 2250 and the “Act Now” campaign, signal a potential turning point in the approach to peacebuilding. The next few years will be critical. The Global Youth Peace Manifesto, expected to emerge from the ongoing UN initiatives, has the potential to become a blueprint for inclusive peace processes. The key will be translating rhetoric into concrete action – investing in youth-led organizations, dismantling systemic barriers, and embracing the innovative solutions that young people bring to the table. What steps will governments and international organizations take to truly empower the next generation of peacebuilders?
