Resolution 2250: Youth at the Heart of Global Peace and Security

Written by Shahd Al-Khattaba, member of the Safe Youth Political Space of Reef

In a world of increasing conflicts and challenges, UN Security Council Resolution 2250, adopted in 2015, marked a historic milestone in recognizing the role of youth as active partners in building peace and maintaining security, rather than merely affected or victims of war.

This resolution is the first of its kind to highlight the importance of involving youth in peace processes and decision-making, affirming that their empowerment is a key element for achieving stability and sustainable development.

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🌍 Background and objectives of the decision

The resolution was adopted in response to the increasing number of youth in conflict zones around the world, and the international community’s recognition that lasting peace cannot be achieved without the participation of youth.
Rather than viewing youth as a threat, the resolution redefined them as leaders, initiators, and makers of a better future.

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✳️ The five axes of the decision

Resolution 2250 is based on five main pillars that represent the general framework for working with and for youth:
1. Participation:
Ensuring youth’s active participation in decision-making processes and peace negotiations at the local, national, and international levels.
2. Protection:
Protecting youth from violence, recruitment, and abuses during armed conflict, and providing a safe environment that enables their development.
3. Prevention:
Investing in education, employment opportunities, and civic engagement as key means of preventing extremism and violence.
4. Partnerships:
Enhancing cooperation between governments, civil society, and youth themselves to achieve security and peace.
5. Disarmament and Reintegration:
Supporting the reintegration of conflict-affected youth into their communities and empowering them to re-engage in development.

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💬 Youth: From the margins to leadership

Resolution 2250 has transformed the stereotype of youth, from recipients of resolutions to active leaders shaping the course of their societies.
Today, they are at the forefront of dialogue initiatives, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.
However, despite the progress, the challenge remains in translating this resolution into concrete policies and programs that ensure genuine youth participation in all fields.

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🌱 Towards effective implementation of the decision

To ensure the implementation of Resolution 2250 on the ground, we must:
• Involve youth in formulating national policies related to security and peace.
• Support community youth initiatives to promote dialogue and tolerance.
• Invest in quality education and training in leadership and peacebuilding.
• Fund sustainable youth programs led by civil society organizations.

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🇯🇴 The Jordanian experience in implementing Resolution 2250

Jordan is one of the first countries to adopt the implementation of Resolution 2250 at the national level.
Through the Jordanian National Plan for Youth, Peace, and Security, launched by the government in partnership with the United Nations and civil society, the role of youth in decision-making and community participation has been enhanced.

In various Jordanian governorates, youth organizations have launched initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, empowering young women, and combating hate speech and extremism, making youth an active part of the solution, not the problem.

The Jordanian experience confirms that security is not achieved solely through force, but also through justice, participation, and empowerment, and that youth are the bridge of hope between the present and the future.

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🌟 Finally

Resolution 2250 is not just a UN document; it is a global vision that believes in the power of youth to effect change.
Every youth project that seeks to foster dialogue, and every initiative that cultivates peace in a neighborhood or village, is an extension of the spirit of this resolution.
Youth are not the margins of the story; they are the main protagonists of a secure future and lasting peace.