#EuropeanDevelopmentDays: Young people hold key to preventing violent extremism say peace-building agencies

“We, children and young people, should respect everyone in all their diversity when it comes to freedom of expression. We are agents of change and peace,” said Theresa, a young delegate from Lebanon, ahead of the European Development Days. 

Interpeace, Search for Common Ground and World Vision have worked together for years to amplify young people’s voices in their societies, at EU level and around the world. Their call for a more central role for youth in conflict prevention has not gone unnoticed.  “The EU has shown a growing commitment to involving young people in peace-building,” said Interpeace Director General Scott Weber.

“However, for the EU and its member states to develop effective responses to prevent violent extremism, the meaningful participation of youth at all levels, needs to be a priority. That’s what this debate will be about – understanding the perspectives of young peacebuildrers where different contexts and conflicts are concerned."

“A silent majority of young people are change-makers who contribute positively to preventing or countering violent extremism,” said World Vision Brussels’ Director of Advocacy Deirdre de Burca. “If we lose our focus on young people, they will feel marginalized and will therefore be more vulnerable to recruitment, injustice and discrimination.”

An inter-agency report released less than a year ago showed that when involved in peace-building processes, young people’s engagement increases peaceful cohabitation, reduces discrimination and violence, and increases support to vulnerable groups.

“Young people hold the key to preventing or countering violent extremism,” said Search Executive Vice President Sandra Melone. “We need to move from tackling symptoms to addressing the factors driving participation in violent extremism.”

As part of the European Development Days, the three agencies will convene high level speakers with various background and from different institutions and organizations, including Elisabeth Pape, Head of Unit Fragility and Resilience (DG DEVCO); Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of Division Conflict Prevention, Peace-building and Mediation Instruments (EEAS); Séverin Yao Kouamé, Director of Indigo – Interpeace; Noufal Abboud, Country Director of Search for Common Ground–Morocco and Theresa, a young delegate – World Vision Lebanon.  Organizers hope this debate will further reinforce the call enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 2250 to foster young people’s participation in peace-building at all levels.

Globally 85% of young people live in developing countries, where their voices are absent from decision making, especially in fragile contexts.

A new EU strategy aimed at preventing violent extremism is needed, one that combines security and peace-building approaches, puts young people in a leading role and invests in long-term solutions. EU stabilization plans should include increased investment in already existing peace-building activities that target or are led by young people.

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