Collaborative on Global Children's Issues

As global conflicts become more complex and protracted, intergenerational trust is on the decline, and the role of youth as agents of partners in preventing violence and sustaining peace has never been more critical. This one-day workshop—open to students, scholars, policy professionals, and practitioners in the field of peace and security—was an opportunity to explore policy opportunities without getting stuck in policy panic responses. It equipped participants with essential knowledge and practical tools to understand and advance an intergenerational peacebuilding agenda, exploring everything from global normative frameworks to practical implementation strategies for fostering intergenerational trust and meaningful youth participation.

In a world where over half the population is under 30 years old, understanding youth engagement in peace processes is not just beneficial—it's imperative. This workshop delved into how young people shape peace processes, influence policy decisions, and build trust across divided communities. Participants explored successful case studies of youth-led peace initiatives, examined institutional responses to youth inclusion, and learned practical approaches to protecting and promoting youth co-leadership in increasingly restricted civic spaces.

Through interactive sessions, participants gained comprehensive insights into measuring peace impact and implementing effective youth-led, adult-supported strategies. The workshop addressed crucial questions about why youth engagement matters now more than ever and how institutions can better understand the barriers young people face and respond to youth needs and aspirations. 

This event was co-sponsored by the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues at Georgetown University, the United States Institute of Peace, and Search for Common Ground.