Building on the success of last year’s pilot project in West Africa, UNAOC is now implementing a second edition of the Young Peacebuilders Programme focusing on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The aim is to support the growth of networks of young peacebuilders who are equipped with the tools to address stereotypes, prejudice and polarization in order to build more inclusive and peaceful societies in their communities and globally.

After a competitive selection process, 10 young women and 10 young men between 18 and 25 years old were chosen to participate in the 2017-2018 edition. They come from 12 MENA countries, namely: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, State of Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, and Yemen.

The participants are currently completing 7 online modules about identity, diversity, conflict analysis, intercultural dialogue and other peace tools that youth can use to build bridges between cultures and religions. The online phase will prepare them for the next stage: a face-to-face-workshop in Amman, Jordan where they’ll have to chance to deepen their knowledge, improve their skills and exchange experiences. The participants will be supported in the design of their own peace project, the results of which will be presented to all relevant stakeholders after a 3-month implementation phase.

Implemented in collaboration with Generations For Peace and funded by AEXCID, the Young Peacebuilders Programme is an example of a meaningful partnership that strengthens the ground-breaking UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security which recognizes that “young people play an important and positive role in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security”.