Remarks of the
High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser
Ministerial Meeting: Reaffirming Commitment to Youth, Peace and Security Agenda
21 September 2017, UN Headquarters Conference Room 3

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to make this short intervention. UNAOC is a member of the Steering Committee for the Progress Study and I am impressed with how it has advanced since UNSCR 2250 was adopted.

I believe the study will play an essential role in the implementation of UNSCR 2250. This is a cause to which UNAOC also remains committed.

We have long recognized the important and positive contribution of youth in peacebuilding efforts. Allow me use this opportunity to tell you very briefly about 2 of our initiatives as examples.

First, our Young Peacebuilders programme. We aim to grow regional networks of youth leaders that are equipped with tools to build more inclusive societies. Our first edition in West Africa was very successful.

Our next edition will engage young people from the MENA region. We are actually planning a workshop in Amman for next year, in collaboration with Generations For Peace and supported by AEXCID, from the regional government of Extremadura in Spain.

Second, our Youth Solidarity Fund. This programme funds projects from youth-led and youth-based organizations. These projects promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and have directly impacted almost 80,000 beneficiaries since its establishment in 2008.

The Youth Solidarity Fund is currently supported by the Governments of Finland and Spain.

I am pleased to see the commitment of so many member states to be Champions of Youth.

Let us continue to work together so that young people are provided with the opportunities to shape lasting peace.

I thank you.