YOUTH are the nation’s valuable human resources on which society relies, and they will shoulder the responsibilities of the State in the future. Youth are characterized by dynamism, alertness, physical strength, inquisitiveness, willingness to take risks, boldness, and creative capacity. Moreover, the role of youth is also of great importance in the peace process.
The important role of youth in the peace process will be highlighted through the Youth Peace Forum 2026, which will include youth representatives aged between 18 and 35. Through this forum, it will be possible to share youth perspectives related to peace, strengthen mutual trust, and identify the role of youth in promoting social harmony. Linking peace with the role of youth, only through peace can the future of young people be bright. Therefore, youth must be nurtured and supported in order to build a peaceful environment.
The forum will be held from 13 to 15 January this year to highlight the importance of youth contributions to peace and community stability. The forum aims to provide a platform for discussion and exchange on issues and attitudes that concern all citizens, to seek solutions through dialogue, and to create opportunities for young people. It will also work to further strengthen youth capacities in dialogue, mediation, and responsible communication. In addition, the forum seeks to bring forth youth recommendations that can serve as support for formulating long-term, sustainable peace, reconciliation, and future-oriented social planning.
Through the forum, the voices of young people will be clearly heard and well understood by examining the factors that give rise to conflict and their impacts on the peace process; issues related to youth security and protection; gender- and sector-specific vulnerabilities; challenges to inclusive citizen participation in the peace process and ways to overcome them; economic challenges and employment opportunities; access to education and skills development and gaps in education; conditions for cooperative participation in combating drug abuse; and the roles young people can play and lead in artificial intelligence technology, cyber space, and social media. Discussions in the forum will identify youth aspirations related to the peace-making process and formulate youth-focused action plans and programmes for continued engagement.
Therefore, in ensuring national stability and nation-building, young people from diverse regions, areas, and socio-economic backgrounds must cooperate and participate by supporting one another. As young people play a key role in shaping the country’s future peace, it is firmly believed that the Youth Peace Forum to be held will produce positive outcomes for both peace and youth.
