European Institute of Peace

Young people bear the burden of past generations' conflicts but also carry the potential for change. We are delighted to present a series of recommendations on intergenerational and inclusive peacemaking based on the input of 45 global young leaders who convened in May at the European Parliament to mark #EIP10Years. See the full list of recommendations in the link and a summary of a few key points below: 👉 Youth cannot be considered a homogenous group. It's crucial to recognise intersecting identities and how conflict disproportionately affects certain groups. 🚧 Technical barriers such as an inability for young people to access and navigate visa support mechanisms stop then from travelling to engage meaningfully in peacemaking processes being held in safe environments. More technical support and guidance is needed to overcome these technical and practical issues. 🕊 Peacemaking is not necessarily a top-down - bottom-up process with government on top and civil society at the bottom. Power sometimes shifts sideways, diagonally, from top-to-bottom and vice-versa in volatile conflict settings. A smart 360-degree approach is needed to identify and engage with the levers of power wherever they may be. 💶 Innovative funding, including participatory and peer-driven models, need to be explored to foster sustainable conflict resolution processes and build trust. 📰 A plethora of dis- and mis-information creates a space in the market for news sources that stand for a higher degree of information integrity. Creating and reestablishing relationships of trust with the media can help lower the temperature in conflict contexts. ‼ Peacemaking must be AI-ready to be aware of the risks and benefit from its potential to unlock new insights and working methods. 💬 Integenerational dialogue as part of peacemaking is crucial. Older generations must create space for genuine mentorship opportunities, guiding young people to navigate and eventually transform outdated systems, whilst also improving mutual understanding and respect between generations. We are grateful to everyone who took part in the workshop, notably the following for helping to refine this guidance note: Anastasiia Kapranova, Program Manager at the Ukraine Institute; Aisha Khurram, Afghan youth activist and former Representative of Afghan youth to the United Nations; Alliyah L., education advocate and consultant at UNICEF, United States; Anna Popsui, Ukrainian women rights activist and Participant of the Women’s Peace Leadership Programme, OSCE; Visar Xhambazi, sbunker NGO founder. We also thank the European Parliament for providing the Infohub venue and Gonzalo Urbina Treviño dedicated to working with us to conceptualise the event, plus the support and contribution of the Institute’s personnel past and present, notably Sophia Gajan (she/her) Gajan for aptly moderating of the event. https://lnkd.in/eKhn_mWc

CEO at Hozint - Horizon Intelligence, Edoardo Camilli makes the case for integrating tech as part of a human-centric approach to peacebuilding following his contribution to #EIP10Years: https://lnkd.in/eNhc7xeD

We are seeking Consultant(s) to conduct an evaluation of our 2022-2024 Environmental Peacemaking in Somalia Project. Apply before 18 August: https://lnkd.in/e4Ea8ubm

"Within the Western Balkans, young political leaders from various backgrounds cooperate daily, demonstrating that collaboration is possible despite the divisive rhetoric of senior politicians," writes Edita Velić in her contribution following #EIP10Years. https://lnkd.in/guVDeYuT

Secretary of the Board of GWL Voices and former UN-Under-secretary-general, Cristina Gallach examines the critical steps needed for the EU to contribute more to future peacebuilding and peacemaking efforts. Thanks for joining us at #EIP10Years. https://lnkd.in/gEeXd-rC

"In any conversation about conflict resolution, the inclusion of girls and women is non-negotiable," writes Alliyah L. following her involvement at #EIP10Years. Thank you for your perspective on mentorship and involving girls and women in conflict resolution processes. Intergenerational dialogue is the best way to inject fresh ideas and rebuild confidence in leadership. https://lnkd.in/ewDvbKNe

"The patterns of conflict have changed, and our peacemaking strategies must change with them," writes Clionadh Raleigh at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) in our ongoing intergenerational dialogue series on peacemaking to mark #EIP10Years. Many important points on the need to adapt to modern conflict dynamics. Thank you for this contribution to this series. https://lnkd.in/euMQBPsB

We are seeking two Environmental and Women Peace and Security Research Consultants to support our “Breaking Barriers, Making Peace” project. Apply before 14 August: https://lnkd.in/gJSQjAcY

We look forward to working with you Eamon Gilmore. Your experience will be of tremendous value to the Institute. Welcome!

"Until leaders take decisions with empathy, justice, and a commitment to human rights, the generational gap will widen, and cries for change will grow louder," writes Aisha Khurram. A powerful story of resilience and courage that must be heard. #EIP10Years https://lnkd.in/gY3_nMGC