Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: 10 Years of Youth Engagement and Local Leadership

Marking the 10th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015–2025)

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, introduced through UN Security Council Resolution 2250. Over the past decade, the YPS agenda has helped shift global and regional understanding of young people—from being seen primarily as beneficiaries of policies to being recognized as active partners in shaping their communities and futures.

The anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how the agenda has strengthened youth participation, improved governance practices, and contributed to more inclusive and resilient societies worldwide, including in South-East Europe.

Why the YPS Agenda Matters for Local Governments

Local governments are closest to citizens and play a crucial role in creating communities where young people feel included, supported, and empowered. The YPS agenda aligns naturally with local priorities and offers clear benefits for municipalities.

1. Youth improve the quality of local policies and services

Young people bring fresh perspectives and practical ideas that help municipalities design more relevant and responsive services—whether in education, culture, digitalization, mobility, or local development.

2. Active youth participation strengthens local democracy

When young people are engaged in consultations, participatory budgeting, youth councils, and community initiatives, decision-making becomes more transparent, inclusive, and future-oriented.

3. Investing in youth builds long-term community resilience

Municipalities that support youth initiatives benefit from dynamic volunteer networks, civic engagement, digital innovation, and stronger community ties.

4. Youth engagement supports economic and social development

Young people contribute to entrepreneurship, digital skills, social innovation, and community projects that help make municipalities more attractive, vibrant, and competitive.

5. It aligns with European values and regional priorities

Youth empowerment and participation are central to EU processes, making the YPS agenda directly relevant for SEE local authorities working to strengthen capacities and align with European standards.

NALAS and the YPS Agenda: Supporting Local Governments in South-East Europe

Thanks to the joint UN “Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust” project, the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS) has taken a proactive role in advancing local implementation of the YPS agenda. NALAS supports municipalities and associations of local authorities in designing youth-friendly and inclusive decision making processes and structures.

Key NALAS Activities

1. Development of the Regional YPS E-Course

NALAS is finalizing a practical Introduction to Youth, Peace and Security E-Course at Local Level e -course, built to support local government staff, youth workers, and civil society partners. It covers:

The course will be delivered in 2026 in Albanian, Macedonian and BCSM language.

2. Regional Network of YPS Trainers

The Regional Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agendas was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, from 23 to 27 June 2025.

The training brought together 23 youth leaders, youth workers, and local government representatives from the region.
The training was delivered by United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) and was designed as a response to the need for skilled facilitators and multipliers who can localize the YPS and WPS agendas, ensuring that youth voices are meaningfully included in policy-making and community-building efforts.

Meet the YPS Trainers

3. Capacity-building for Municipalities

NALAS will support local authorities to integrate youth participation into strategic planning, service delivery, and local development processes through training, peer exchanges, and research studies.

4. Regional Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange

NALAS facilitates collaboration between municipalities, youth organisations, and local practitioners, creating a regional space for sharing innovations, challenges, and good practices.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Youth Engagement for Better Local Governance

YPS means that young people should be heard, consulted, and actively involved in the processes that contribute to peace and security in their communities.
Tijana Ristovska, YPS Trainer ’25

As the YPS agenda enters its second decade, the focus is on deepening youth participation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that municipalities continue to create environments where young people can contribute fully to community life.

NALAS will continue supporting local authorities across South-East Europe to build inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities—together with young people.

Upcoming Activities 2025–2026

Regional Forum of Mayors & Young Leaders on YPS (Skopje, May 2026)
Town-Twinning & Decentralized Cooperation Study visit (September 2026)
Support Institutionalization – local youth councils, youth-led initiatives, integration of YPS/WPS in policies through UN agencies

These activities are being realized within the Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust project. Supported by UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), the initiative is implemented jointly by four UN agencies: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNESCO and UN Women.