Commemorating UNSCR 2250: Elevating Youth Leadership for Peace and Sustainable Development

By Youth and Women for Peace and Sustainable Development (YOWPSUD)

As the world marks another year since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS), Youth and Women for Peace and Sustainable Development (YOWPSUD) reflects on the transformative power of young people in shaping peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies. UNSCR 2250 remains a historic milestone recognizing for the first time the critical role of youth as partners, not just beneficiaries, in preventing conflict, building peace, and driving sustainable development.

At YOWPSUD, we work at the intersection of youth empowerment, women’s leadership, peacebuilding, and socio-economic transformation. Our programs across Kwale and other regions continue to demonstrate that when young people are resourced, trusted, and included in decision-making, communities become safer, institutions more accountable, and development more equitable.

Youth at the Forefront of Peace and Security

UNSCR 2250 outlines five pillars Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnership, and Disengagement & Reintegration. These pillars guide our work in creating pathways for young people to contribute meaningfully to peace and development processes. Through capacity-building trainings, civic engagement initiatives, and youth-led dialogues, YOWPSUD strengthens the participation of young leaders in governance, conflict prevention, and community resilience.

Our recent initiatives, including the empowerment of youth groups to engage in public participation on policy and governance processes such as the Biashara Fund Bill and AGPO opportunities, highlight our commitment to institutionalizing youth voices in socio-economic decision-making.

Amplifying Women and Young Women in PCVE

In alignment with both UNSCR 2250 and UNSCR 1325, our Mwanamke Imara project is strengthening the leadership of women including young women in preventing and countering violent extremism. By equipping them with leadership skills, knowledge on justice and security systems, and platforms to influence policy, we are bridging the gender gaps that often silence women’s perspectives in peace and security spaces.

Building Partnerships for Sustainable Impact

YOWPSUD continues to collaborate with county departments, development partners, civil society organizations, and community networks. These partnerships enhance coherence in peacebuilding interventions and ensure that youth-led solutions are integrated into broader development and security frameworks.

Our engagement with stakeholders in advancing inclusive economic empowerment such as facilitating access to the Biashara Fund and training youth directors on enterprise development also contributes to preventing vulnerabilities that can lead to conflict and marginalization.

A Renewed Call to Action

As we commemorate UNSCR 2250, we reaffirm our commitment to centering youth as catalysts for peace and sustainable development. We call upon governments, development partners, and community leaders to deepen investments in youth leadership, protect their civic space, and build pathways for their meaningful inclusion in peace and governance processes.

Young people are not the problem they are the solution. Their innovation, courage, and resilience remain essential to achieving peaceful, prosperous, and cohesive communities.

YOWPSUD stands ready to continue championing this agenda, ensuring that the promise of UNSCR 2250 is realized for all.