COPENHAGEN, 15 June 2023 - The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly hosted today a web dialogue on “Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: Role of Parliamentarians” organized by the Special Representative on Youth Engagement Farah Karimi (Netherlands). The event brought together members of parliaments and experts for a discussion on the critical role of young people in promoting peace and security, as well as on the implementation of UN SCR 2250 on national levels.
In welcoming participants, Special Representative Karimi stressed the need to ensure safety and welfare of youth and urged for recommendations included in the UN SCR 2250 to be translated into actions. “As parliamentarians, we bear the responsibility of enacting policies, shaping legislation, and representing the interests of our communities,” Karimi said. “In this pivotal role, it is crucial for us to recognize the power and potential that lies within the youth.”
In her address, President Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden) underlined the vital role played by the youth in building a peaceful and better future. She also emphasized the need for broader engagement of young people in decision-making processes.
Members of the OSCE PA also had the opportunity to hear from experts and professionals on the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda. Discussions featured a video address by UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Jayathma Wickramanayake, and keynote presentations from Programme Management Officer in the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth Gracia-Romeral Ortiz Quintilla, National Coordinator for Youth, Peace and Security in Finland Anu Apo and President & Co-Founder of Sustainable Cooperation for Peace & Security Marjus Ceveli.
Participants highlighted the significance of the issues of youth engagement in light of the current and emerging global and regional challenges, including increasing tensions and armed conflicts heavily affecting young people in the OSCE region.
Participants discussed the situation of youth in Ukraine affected by the Russian Federation’s ongoing war against the country, the implications for political participation of young people and the need for wide and inclusive discussions on policies concerning them. They also exchanged best practices related to the implementation of UN SCR 2250, focusing on the recent process of adoption of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security in Finland.
In the end, parliamentarians agreed to intensify and expand the Assembly’s engagement in the promotion of Youth, Peace and Security agenda and work towards the establishment of an Informal Working Group among interested parliamentarians to foster continued learning, exchange best practices and promote the implementation of UN SCR 2250 at the national level.
