New York, 14 April 2023 – The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is pleased to announce the launch of the latest edition of its Young Peacebuilders programme. This year, the programme focuses for the second time on Latin America and the Caribbean, and will be implemented with the support of AEXCID (Agencia Extremeña de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo), and in collaboration with the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY).
Following a competitive process from a pool of more than 500 applicants from 23 countries, UNAOC has selected 18 participants aged between 18 and 25 years old, with unique experiences and skills. They come from diverse backgrounds and 17 countries, including Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The UNAOC Young Peacebuilders programme is a peace education initiative that aims to create a global movement of young peacebuilders by providing them with the competencies to advance diversity and intercultural understanding. By showcasing their actions at the grassroots level, the initiative also aims to bring visibility to the participants’ work and their impact on their communities. In line with the groundbreaking UN Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), and the UN Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, UNAOC continues to amplify youth voices and raise awareness among decision-makers that young people should be included in peacebuilding and policy-making processes.
The programme will consist of four phases, designed to facilitate a progressive and experience-based learning process for participants. These stages include an online preparatory phase, an in-person workshop, mentoring and support, and a culminating symposium where the Young Peacebuilders will present their work to relevant stakeholders.
UNAOC is proud to support these young leaders in their efforts to build a peaceful and inclusive world. Congratulations to the selected participants, and we look forward to seeing the impact of their work.
For more information about the Young Peacebuilders programme, please visit https://www.unaoc.org/what-we-do/projects-and-initiatives/young-peacebuilders/