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| October NewsletterHear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World#ActNowForPeace |
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| | The future is young. With half the world under 30, this generation is a powerful force for peace. They are sparking global movements, organizing protests and forging bonds of solidarity. In communities shattered by violence, they are the peacemakers, laying the groundwork for a resilient future.
They have the greatest stake in our common future, yet they are too often excluded from spaces where solutions are shaped. The United Nations "Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World" public advocacy and social mobilization campaign, which was launched on the International Day of Peace (21 September 2025), aims to change that by partnering with young people to build lasting peace.
It's time to hear their solutions and act now to build a global movement for peace.
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| | | My PeaceFirst-person blogs; no filters, just truth
For Lesia Holoiad, a 28-year-old youth leader in Ukraine, the definition of peace is simple and absolute: “… peace means justice. And if justice requires a struggle, then it is worth it.”
Read her powerful story of hope and courage. In her words, peace starts with the person who, despite everything, "chooses not to be broken." |
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| | Generation PeaceYouth organizations leading change
They are standing on the right side of history. From classrooms to rural centres, from city streets to social feeds, young people and grassroots youth organizations are demanding change, challenging injustice and driving solutions for a more just and peaceful future.
In October, we shine a light on the Global Refugee Youth Network, championing the inclusion of refugee youth. |
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| | | Allies in Action
Working with and for young people
All around the world, Allies in Action are working hand in hand with young people – from youth-led groups to civil society to the United Nations.
Together, they are creating space for youth voices, lifting their solutions and bringing their leadership to the global stage.
In October, we spotlight the Young Women Peacebuilders Initiative. |
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| | Women, Peace and Security
As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in October, we look at women’s meaningful participation in peace processes. Did you know?
Recent data shows that women made up only about 9.6 per cent of negotiators, 13.7 per cent of mediators and 26.6 per cent of signatories to peace agreements in 2023.
Full and equal participation of women in all aspects of peace processes is critical for lasting peace. |
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| | | Poverty Eradication
Ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October), we look at the impact of conflict on poverty.
Did you know?
The share of the world's extremely poor people, who live under $3 a day, in fragile and conflict-affected countries skyrocketed from 20 per cent in 2000 to 48 per cent in 2019, even though these countries represent only a fraction (10 per cent) of the world's total population. By 2030, that share is expected to reach 70 per cent. |
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| | | | How might we keep space a peaceful and cooperative domain for all countries?
The future of outer space hinges on global cooperation. We all have a stake: satellites power our daily lives, connecting us through navigation, trade, disaster response and internet access. The challenge is ensuring the peace and sustainability of the final frontier by balancing competing national interests and commercial growth with the common good of humanity.
Are we doing enough now to secure our cosmic future for all? The time for observation is over. The next giant leap is ours to shape.
Learn more about the race to save space. |
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| | | Host a Peace Circle!
At the heart of the Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World campaign are Peace Circles - inclusive intergenerational dialogues facilitated by youth and allies across the globe.
From addressing prevention to disarmament to climate security and gender equality, the Peace Circles are spaces for action-oriented solutions, co-creation and storytelling around peace.
The Peace Circles will contribute to the UN Secretary-General’s study on youth’s positive contribution to peace, a direct outcome of the 2024 Pact for the Future. |
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| | Inaugural Peace Circle
On the International Day of Peace, we held an inaugural Peace Circle to launch the Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World campaign.
Joining us were youth leaders and renowned speakers such as Mary Robinson from The Elders.
Check out the conversation that focused on inclusion, community, equality and acceptance. |
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| | The Big Listen: Youth-led solutions for global peace
In 2024, in the landmark Pact for the Future, UN Member States asked Secretary-General António Guterres to produce the Second Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security, recognizing that “the full, effective, safe and meaningful participation of youth is critical to maintain and promote international peace and security.” The first study, “The Missing Piece” was published in 2018, and this follow up study, expected in September 2026, will capture the shifting global political context, the transformation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and much more.
The consultation phase of the Second Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security will kick off between October 2025 and January 2026 with a series of activities. Dubbed “The Big Listen”, the activities are an opportunity for young people worldwide to provide insights and solutions, and responses to obstacles preventing their participation in maintaining and promoting peace everywhere. Slated activities include a substantive survey open to all young people between the ages of 15 and 40, a series of focus groups organized by civil society and youth-led organizations, and a set of AI-assisted digital consultations.
Take the survey!
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| | Peace is a Verb
This powerful declaration comes from the UN’s first Global Advocate for Peace, Maryam Bukar Hassan, who has launched her compelling new spoken word piece, Peace is a Verb.
First performed at New York’s SummerStage festival in July 2025, the poem reframes peace: it is not the responsibility of a few, but a shared, immediate duty in which everyone has a role to play. In this time of global turbulence and division, her work serves as the ultimate call to action for a peaceful world.
Read her story | Watch her video |
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