The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has pledged commitment to the five pillars of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security.
In an event to commemorate 6th anniversary of the adoption of the UNSCR2250 on Youth, Peace and Security in Abuja, organized by Nigeria Coalition on Youth, Peace & Security, the Resident Representative of UNFPA, MS. Ulla Mueller said, “As the world seeks to build back better, we must ensure that we align with the five pillars of the resolution and also empower today’s generation of young people as this is our only chance to end poverty, end hunger, bridge inequalities, reverse climate change and ensure a peaceful and virile country.
Mueller who was represented by Dr. Sampson Ezikeanyi said UNFPA has shown its committed with the support it gave in the finalization of the National Action Plan on Youth Peace and security and pledged to continue to work with the coalition to find modalities for its dissemination and implementation.
She stated that today’s youth have higher expectations than the generations before them, with a stronger grasp of their rights and a clearer vision of what they are capable of accomplishing – should they receive the proper tools and opportunities.
Mueller said the growth of violent extremism, especially amongst young women and men, threatens stability and development, and can often derail peacebuilding efforts, and foment conflict.
She the resolution stresses the importance of addressing the conditions and factors leading to the rise of violent radicalization and extremism amongst youth.
Mueller said it also recognizes the important role young women and men can play as positive role models in preventing and countering violent extremism.
Mueller called on all to join hands across generations together and rise to the challenges before us, working with youth to build a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable future for all.
Also speaking, Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Dr. Bakut T. Bakut said that we should channel the energy of young people towards peace building for national development.
Bakut who was represented by Andy Nkemuneme said the time is now for the youth to take up the challenge and stop being willing tools for conflict entrepreneurs.
Executive Director, Centre for Sustainable Development and Education in Africa (CSDEA) and Co-Chairman of Nigeria Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security (NCYPS) Theophilus Ekpon said Nigeria has made progress in developing its draft NAP through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with the CSDEA and IPCR with support from the Global Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and State building, the European Commission, the United Nations as well as the African Union.
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