Young Architects of Peace: Building Bridges in a Divided World

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Lenyn Daniel Montes Sevilla, a certified General Nursing and Emergency Medical Technician, concurrently pursues a Medical Surgery degree at the Autonomous University of Nayarit, Mexico. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

The echoes of conflict reverberate across the globe, casting shadows on our collective future. Yet, amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope shines – the vibrant energy and unwavering idealism of young people. In a world yearning for peace, the role of youth as architects of positive change has never been more vital.

Studies like the Council of Europe’s Youth and the Peaceful Resolution of Conflict (2018) highlight the inherent strengths young people bring to the table. Their dynamism and fresh perspectives fuel innovative solutions, challenging the status quo and forging new paths towards reconciliation. A natural aptitude for communication and dialogue enables them to navigate cultural divides, bridging societal rifts and fostering understanding. Moreover, their deep-seated commitment to justice and equality compels them to strive for a world free from conflict and discrimination.

Inspiring examples abound, showcasing the transformative power of youthful engagement. In Colombia, “Reconciliando Colombia”, a youth-led movement, plays a pivotal role in healing the wounds of a prolonged armed conflict. Similarly, Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stands as a symbol of courage and unwavering commitment to education and peace, particularly for girls.

But how can we, as a global community, empower these young architects of peace?

Creating spaces for participation is crucial. Youth forums, dialogue platforms, and decision-making bodies that actively engage young voices are essential to ensuring their ideas and perspectives are heard and valued. Promoting peace education is another critical piece of the puzzle. Curriculums that instill values of tolerance, empathy, and conflict resolution equip young people with the tools they need to become agents of positive change. Additionally, strengthening youth networks and organizations provides vital support and amplifies their impact. By investing in and partnering with youth-led initiatives, we empower them to bridge divides, mend communities, and lay the foundation for a more peaceful future.

The future holds tremendous promise, but it is contingent upon our collective commitment to nurturing and amplifying the voices of young peacebuilders. Let us embrace their inherent potential, provide them with the necessary tools and resources, and stand alongside them as they build bridges of understanding, forge lasting peace, and illuminate a brighter future for all.

References:

Youth and the Peaceful Resolution of Conflict (2018). Council of Europe. https://assembly.coe.int/LifeRay/CULT/Pdf/TextesProvisoires/2021/20210412-YoungRoleStrengthening-EN.pdf

The Role of Youth in Building Peace (2018). United Nations Security Council. https://press.un.org/en/2018/sc13312.doc.htm

Building Bridges in Conflict Areas (2018). SALTO Youth. https://www.salto-youth.net/downloads/4-17-1841/Booklet%20Building%20Bridges%20in%20Conflict%20Areas.pdf?

Youth as Agents of Peace: A Review of the Literature (2014). Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4267545/

The Role of Youth in Peacebuilding: A Critical Review of the Literature (2018). International Journal of Peace Studies. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0018506X18304100?via%3Dihub

Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding: A Global Stocktaking (2020). United Nations Development Programme. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9282653/

About the author

Lenyn Daniel Montes Sevilla, a certified General Nursing and Emergency Medical Technician, concurrently pursues a Medical Surgery degree at the Autonomous University of Nayarit. With two research internships at esteemed institutions, the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas and the National Autonomous University of Mexico, he actively contributes to diverse research projects. Lenyn collaborates on protocols, investigating topics such as the potential inappropriateness of Empirical Pharmacological Prescriptions. Currently, he is immersed in his Pre-Graduate Medical Internship at the renowned National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán.

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