The Missing Peace: Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security

There are extraordinary young people creatively seeking ways to prevent violence and consolidate peace across the globe, in devastated and conflict-affected societies as well as in those enjoying relative peace. The Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, prepared in response to Security Council resolution 2250 (2015), offered a unique opportunity to listen to them and learn about the multiple ways they work for peace and security. Their work promises the potential of a tremendous peace and security dividend for their societies, governments and international actors.

However, many young people are frustrated by the tendency of their governments and international actors to treat youth as a problem to be solved, instead of as partners for peace. The Progress Study calls upon governments and international actors to undergo a seismic shift and recognize young people as “the missing peace”.