UN Youth Ambassador Highlights Vital Role of Women and Youth in Peacebuilding
UNITED NATIONS, May 28 (Xinhua) — Daniel del Valle Blanco, the International Youth Organization’s Ambassador and Permanent Observer to the United Nations, delivered a compelling address at the UN Security Council on Tuesday, emphasizing the indispensable role of women and youth in sustaining international peace and security.
In his speech, Blanco commended the Republic of Mozambique for its leadership of the council in May and for organizing the pivotal debate titled “Maintenance of international peace and security: the role of women and young people.”
Blanco underscored the fundamental importance of peace for societal development, stating, “Peace is fundamental to any society; without it, there is no life or future.”
He highlighted the necessity of involving young people, especially women and girls, in peace-building initiatives. He noted that the International Youth Organization’s New Youth Agenda seeks to bolster global cooperation on youth issues and enhance peace and security efforts across all sectors.
“Preserving peace requires a comprehensive approach that includes short, medium, and long-term actions aimed at preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts,” Blanco remarked. He stressed that these efforts must be sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking, involving young people as active partners rather than passive recipients.
The ambassador called for the implementation of Security Council Resolutions 1325 on “Women, Peace, and Security” and 2250 on “Youth, Peace, and Security,” both of which advocate for the active participation of women and youth in conflict prevention and resolution.
Blanco acknowledged the complexities of implementing these resolutions and argued for an intersectional and comprehensive approach tailored to various global contexts. He highlighted the vulnerability of young women to discrimination and violence, stressing the need for their increased protection and involvement in political processes.
He pointed out that young women’s contributions are often overlooked in discussions about youth and violence due to perceived lower threat levels, thereby diminishing their potential roles in fostering sustainable peace.
In conclusion, Blanco urged member states to commit to engaging youth communities meaningfully at both national and local levels. He emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue to build trust and facilitate effective intergenerational communication, which he deemed essential for the tangible and effective construction of peace and security.
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