Engaging youth in peace and trust global discussion

The high-level forum organized in a video-conference format brought together the representatives of the UN System, in particular the Office of the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Youth, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, UN-Habitat, UNODC, OHCHR, UNRCCA, as well as the National Youth Councils, regional youth organizations and the civil society to facilitate a global dialogue to promote youth participation in formal peace dialogues and amplifying the importance of creating a climate of trust between the nations.

The Forum aimed at encouraging the UN Member States, UN entities, regional and sub-regional organizations and other relevant actors to consider instituting mechanisms to engage youth in the promotion of a culture of peace, tolerance and intercultural and interreligious dialogue and develop, as appropriate, an understanding of respect for human dignity, pluralism and diversity.

“We at UN aim to see a world in which the human rights of every young person are realized; that ensures every young person is empowered to achieve their full potential; and that recognizes young people’s positive contributions as agents of change for peace and trust,” noted Ms. Christine Weigand, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Turkmenistan.

During the first segment of the Forum young leaders representing youth organizations and networks from the region and beyond exchanged their views on importance of youth participation for regional peace and creating a culture of trust at all levels. They also contributed to the Joint Appeal of the participants of the Forum that was later adopted.

The results of the Ashgabat Youth Forum will contribute to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum to be held on 7 and 8 April 2021.