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Blurry Background

Youth political participation is not just complementary but essential to build and sustain peace at all levels.

Despite being often exposed to impacts of violent conflicts, disasters, poverty and inequalities, many young people are contributing to building peace in their communities. 

 

Yet, the importance of Youth Participation in Peace and Security is often overlooked. 

Moreover, young men and women are mostly considered only as “victims” or “perpetrators” in a conflict. 

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Every day, leaders around the world make decisions about the future of our planet. These decisions affect young people, but often they are not included in politics, peace processes and other important discussions. 

More than 1.1 billion young people aged 15 to 29 live in the Asia- Pacific region, constituting more than 25% of the population.

Did you know that the Asia-Pacific region improved across all domains in the latest Youth Development Index, except on
Youth Political Participation?

Yet, only 1.84% of parliamentarians are under 30 years old in Asia-Pacific

Blue Gradient

In the Asia-Pacific region, UNDP’s work on Youth in Governance and Peacebuilding aims to enable young people’s civic engagement and meaningful participation in decision making, political processes and governance structures for peaceful and inclusive societies.  

We aim to boost young people’s interest, capacity, engagement and active participation in politics, peacebuilding and democratic institutions that affect their daily lives, both now and in the future. 

Making sure that no one is left behind, our efforts include the active engagement of young women, those from low-income backgrounds, migrant and displaced youth, Indigenous youth, LGBTI+ youth, and young people with disabilities to shape a future of inclusive governance and foster a society where every voice is heard and valued.

Our Work

Objectives

Supporting national and sub-national governments in engaging youth meaningfully in decision-making and policy development, including the implementation of the youth, peace, and security framework 

Creating and expanding safe spaces for youth participation and engagement in public policy and peacebuilding processes 

Building the capacity of youth to meaningfully participate in civic engagement, peacebuilding, decision-making and other political processes

Our Focus

Keeping Meaningful Youth Engagement as a cornerstone, UNDP’s work on Youth in Governance and Peacebuilding in the Asia-Pacific region focuses on the areas of Youth Political Participation, Youth, Peace and Security, and Climate Governance. 

Stories

YPP

Power Up, Asia Pacific: Leveraging the Potential of Youth Political Participation

YPS

ASEAN-IPR-UN Workshop on advancing Youth, Peace and Security

Advancing Youth, Peace, and Security in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Stocktake and Review
Youth anti-corruption movement embraced in the Cook Islands
Enhancing capacity for youth friendly local governance

Resources

Youth, Peace and Security: Fostering Youth-Inclusive Political Processes

Youth, Peace and Security: Fostering Youth-Inclusive Political Processes

Fast Facts: Youth Political Participation (YPP) in Asia and the Pacific

Fast Facts: Youth Political Participation (YPP) in Asia and the Pacific

An Assessment and Review of Youth Political Participation Programmes in Asia and the Pacific

An Assessment and Review of Youth Political Participation Programmes in Asia and the Pacific

Fast Facts: Youth Peace and Security (YPS) in Asia and the Pacific

Fast Facts: Youth Peace and Security (YPS) in Asia and the Pacific

A Stocktake and Review of Youth, Peace and Security Programming in Asia and the Pacific

A Stocktake and Review of Youth, Peace and Security Programming in Asia and the Pacific

Partners

Every day, leaders around the world make decisions about the future of our planet. These decisions affect young people, but often they are not included in politics, peace processes and other important discussions. 

More than 1.1 billion young people aged 15 to 29 live in the Asia- Pacific region, constituting more than 25% of the population.

Did you know that the Asia-Pacific region improved across all domains in the latest Youth Development Index, except on
Youth Political Participation?

Yet, only 1.84% of parliamentarians are under 30 years old in Asia-Pacific

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