World Scouting recognised for youth-led humanitarian efforts in UN report on youth, peace, and security
World Scouting welcomes the third report of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General on Youth, Peace, and Security, which was recently presented to the UN Security Council. The report highlights how young people worldwide are contributing to the promotion of peace, but also underlines the need to increase youth participation in decision-making, enhance the protection of young people, promote youth development opportunities, and provide financing for youth-led work.
The report shows progress in recognising young people’s agency in contributing to peace. Specifically, it recognises UAct as Scouting’s youth-led humanitarian initiative designed to respond to the war in Ukraine and mobilise 35,000 Scout volunteers across nine countries to assist more than 1 million Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced persons affected by the conflict. Under the UAct initiative, Scouting’s efforts were supported in partnership with UNICEF to offer vital psychosocial support and humanitarian relief to people and communities impacted.
The report was shared publicly on 28 May during the UN Security Council meeting on maintaining international peace and security. It was discussed along with other UN findings that showed how the women, peace, and security and youth, peace, and security agendas work together and support each other.
The report, which includes updates on how the youth, peace, and security agenda is being institutionalised, also highlights new initiatives and strategies by governments and organisations to promote the inclusion and meaningful participation of young people in peace and security. The publications outline a series of recommendations to the Security Council, governments, the UN, and other stakeholders inspired by youth-led action in the promotion and maintenance of peace.
Scouting has long been committed to promoting a culture of peace, dialogue, and inclusion around the world. As a member of the Global Youth Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action, a global commitment of over 50 humanitarian and youth stakeholder organisations, Scouting is engaged in strengthening the ability of young people to play an active role in humanitarian action and peace education. This commitment is reflected in educational programmes such as our Messengers of Peace initiative, community-based efforts led by Scouts to create a more peaceful world, and engaging in the Global Coalition for Youth, Peace, and Security as part of our youth advocacy efforts.
Looking ahead, Scouting has made the promotion of peace and inclusion a key pillar of our new ten-year vision and strategy, setting a clear direction for Scouts to be active contributors in promoting peace worldwide and championing peace processes that include young people.
To read more about the UAct initiative, check out the UAct final report. You can also read more about the inspiring stories of volunteers involved in promoting peace in the Scouts Diary.
