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Build Peace

A generation that is raised in conflict presents an opportunity for either sustained violence or action towards a more peaceful society. This week, Youth Will examines how young people and international organizations are contributing to peacebuilding in meaningful ways.

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3 key ingredients for building a peaceful generation

A generation raised in conflict holds the key to our future — and whether we live it in peace or sustained violence. Here's how to empower youth to make their voices heard in meaningful ways.

Young people leading tomorrow’s change today

Governments around the globe are seeking ways to collaborate more with youth-owned enterprises — a promising sign, writes Deodat Maharaj, deputy secretary-general of the Commonwealth, which announced its Youth Awards for Excellence in Development on March 10.

In Libya, a young woman helms crusade for a gender-balanced future

Her group helped to pave the way for the first-ever international women's conference in Libya. Devex spoke with Alaa Murabit, founder Voice of Libyan Women, about young people's contributions to Libya's development.

We must empower and support girls in crisis

"Adolescent girls have the power to be significant agents of positive change in their communities, in the midst of conflict and crises as well as in times of peace," writes Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians in an exclusive guest commentary.

Peacebuilders, not trouble-makers

Young people aren't trouble-makers by nature, but they need hope to contribute to society — and many "are becoming hopeless now," says Ahmad Alhendawi, the United Nations secretary-general’s envoy on youth.

6 ways to successfully engage youths in peacebuilding

How can program designers and managers successfully engage young people in peacebuilding? Devex asked youth experts and activists to share their tips and insights.

4 lessons on youth and peacebuilding in Lebanon

In Lebanon and elsewhere, young people can be both perpetrators and victims of violence. Here's what the international community can learn from several youth-led peace initiatives. By Oriana Wuerth of Chemonics.

‘Because I was angry'

What do — and don't — we know about deterring young people from joining the world's terrorists, militias and rebel movements? Spoiler alert: We don't know much. Here are several myths around youth unemployment and stability, debunked.

UN Security Council, please engage youth in peacebuilding

Young people should be at the center of international peacebuilding efforts. Why? Ravi Karkara, global adviser on youth at UN-Habitat, explains in this video interview.

My Bangsamoro story: How young people can help to build peace

Al-Bari Macalawan realized the value of peace at age 10, when his brother became a casualty of the brutal fight between Philippine government and rebel forces. Here's his advice on how to integrate young people in peacebuilding.

On the art of survival — and survivors

Sandra Uwiringiyimana survived a massacre in 2004. In this video interview, the Democratic Republic of the Congo native shares her experience finding solace, confidence and her voice through music and photography.

Jobs in peace building: What (and where) are they?

Skilled aid workers are needed to help establish lasting peace in fragile states. But jobs in this competitive field are tougher to break into than it might seem. Devex asked donors, implementers and recruiters what skills are in demand — and how to best build a career in peace building.

A Heartbeat away: How to engage youth through music

Heartbeat engages Israeli and Palestinian youth through music. Watch the group's founder and two of its musicians explain why their work helps to build peace — and what others may learn from it.

Look beyond jobs to address youth extremism

As youth populations soar, especially in Africa, designing programs that will enable young people to become productive, rather than destructive members of their communities is critical. In this #YouthWill piece, Devex explores what is driving youths to extremism and what needs to be done to prevent it.

The leader we need

Servant leaders unlock the potential in those they lead to allow them to reach their full potential and put the latter's needs before their own. An exclusive commentary by Nuru International CEO Jake Harriman.

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