Conference helps young peacemakers overcome challenges

AMMAN — Sixty leaders from 10 countries gathered in Jordan to address the challenges and opportunities young peacemakers face, according to a British embassy statement. 

The conference, which took place between October 16 and 18, was the second event in the Wilton Park Youth Dialogues, organised by Wilton Park in partnership with the West Asia — North Africa (WANA) Institute, the British Council and the Department for International Development. 

Youth make up a third of those affected by conflict, with more than 600 million young people living in fragile or conflict affected areas, the statement said, adding that, as they find themselves unable to work and often traumatised, they may see joining an armed group or leaving their country as the only choices open to them.

Yet, many young people are also actively contributing to peacebuilding, the statement read, adding that the conference focused on ways to support them in their role.

HRH Prince Hassan, chairman of the WANA Institute, said: “The only way to transition towards peace in the region is through moving from ‘me’ to ‘we’. Exercises like the Wilton Park dialogues stimulate youth to reflect on what it means to be an active citizen, both in their countries and in the region.”

For his part, British Ambassador Edward Oakden commended the event, saying: “The organisation’s unique convening power provides a great opportunity for us to listen to the widest range of perspectives on the many challenges facing Jordan’s youth, who make up 60 per cent of the population and truly represent the country’s future.”

“I enjoyed hearing fresh ideas on how to empower young women and men to realise their power as peacemakers,” he added.

The conference showcased emerging local initiatives that empower young people, and reflected on how such activities can be scaled up to optimise grassroots efforts in the face of extremism, according to the statement.

Mark Clark, CEO of Generations For Peace, a Jordan-based international peacebuilding NGO, explained: “The best sustainable impacts for youth empowerment, resilience and social cohesion, come from developing positive values and peer-group fusion through experiential learning activities sustained over time. We need to give youth the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership and responsible citizenship through small actions in their own communities, and make them feel trusted by adults and authority figures.”

The participants also discussed the role of education in developing young people’s sense of citizenship with education activist Muzoon Almellehan testifying about her campaign to encourage parents to send their children to school. 

The 19-year-old spent nearly three years in Jordan as a refugee, including 18 months in Zaatari refugee camp. During that time, she strived to include more girls into education. She went from tent to tent talking to parents to encourage them to enrol their children. 

Her commitment led to her appointment as UNICEF’s youngest ever Goodwill Ambassador in June 2017.

“You could be affected by conflict, poverty and endure many challenges, including losing your home, but education is what gives all children hope for a better future,” she explained.