Youth as Peacemakers: Engaging Young Leaders in Eastern European Peace Processes by Emancip8 Project

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by Emancip8 Project

The significance of youth participation in peace processes cannot be overstated. Eastern Europe has experienced numerous conflicts in recent decades, with some areas still grappling with tensions and hostility. As a new generation emerges, it is essential to engage young leaders in peace-building initiatives and capitalize on their energy, creativity, and resilience. This article delves into the role of young people in Eastern European peace processes, highlighting their potential contributions and the importance of creating space for their involvement.

Young leaders possess unique qualities that make them valuable agents of change in peace-building efforts. Growing up in a digital age, they are connected and informed, and can harness the power of technology to promote dialogue and bridge divides (Purdeková et al., 2018). Furthermore, youth are often more open to new ideas and perspectives, allowing them to challenge traditional narratives and seek innovative solutions (McEvoy-Levy, 2006).

In Eastern Europe, several successful examples demonstrate the potential of youth engagement in peace processes. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, young people have formed interethnic networks and organized grassroots initiatives to foster dialogue and understanding among their peers (Graffikin, 2016). Similarly, in Kosovo, youth-led organizations have played a significant role in promoting reconciliation through cultural and educational programs (Haziri-Goepfert, 2018).

Despite their potential, young people face numerous challenges in their quest to contribute to peace processes. Societal expectations and political barriers often limit their access to decision-making spaces, resulting in tokenistic engagement or exclusion from formal negotiations (Belloni, 2012). Moreover, they may lack the necessary resources, skills, and networks to maximize their impact (Purdeková et al., 2018).

To ensure meaningful youth participation in peace processes, several strategies can be employed. First, promoting intergenerational dialogue is crucial to creating inclusive spaces where young people can learn from older generations while contributing their perspectives (McEvoy-Levy, 2006). Second, capacity-building programs can equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex peace-building environments (Haziri-Goepfert, 2018). Finally, fostering partnerships between youth organizations, civil society, and international actors can enhance the legitimacy and impact of youth-led peace initiatives (Graffikin, 2016).

In conclusion, engaging young leaders in Eastern European peace processes is crucial to fostering sustainable peace and development in the region. By recognizing their potential and addressing the challenges they face, society can harness the power of youth as peacemakers and ensure a more inclusive and resilient future.

References:

Belloni, R. (2012). Civil society and peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Journal of Civil Society, 8(1), 45–63.

Graffikin, L. (2016). Youth peacebuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina: An exploratory study. Peacebuilding, 4(3), 278–291.

Haziri-Goepfert, S. (2018). The role of youth in peacebuilding in Kosovo. In S. M. Yazdani (Ed.), Conflict transformation and peacebuilding: Experiences from Central Asia and the Western Balkans (pp. 111–130). Routledge.

McEvoy-Levy, S. (2006). Troublemakers or peacemakers? Youth and post-accord peace building. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press.

Purdeková, A., F. Omata, and E. V. Berghof. (2018). Refugee-led assistance and protection: From research to practice. Forced Migration Review

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