Addressing ambassadors at the Council’s open debate on the role of women and youth, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo highlighted the significant challenges and impacts faced by women.
Youth inclusion
Youth inclusion was another critical focus of the Under-Secretary-General’s remarks.
She highlighted the need for young people to shape their futures and participate safely in peace processes and electoral activities.
“They [young people] are not ‘adults in the making’,” she said, “they are full human beings with hopes, aspirations, ideas and energy to contribute right now.”
She stressed that engaging youth in peace processes is a missed opportunity that governments should seize to rebuild trust in institutions and increase intergenerational solidarity.
Supporting youth participation
To support youth participation, the UN is allocating resources from the Peacebuilding Fund to back National Action Plans for Youth, Peace and Security.
Regional efforts, such as the African Union’s framework and the Arab Regional Youth, Peace and Security strategy, are also instrumental in catalyzing national actions, she said.
Environmental peacebuilding, where young women often play leading roles, was another area highlighted, as Ms. DiCarlo called for recognizing and advancing the contributions of young environmental defenders, community leaders, and peacebuilders.
In conclusion, Ms. DiCarlo emphasized that transformative changes rely on national action involving all segments of society, supported by international efforts. The Security Council, she urged, can reinforce that woman, along with men, are responsible for building peace and prosperity in their societies.
“Gender equality and realizing the aspirations of young people are essential for sustainable peace and security around the world,” she concluded.