²Ù±ÆÊÓƵapp

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Building a movement for peace

The future is young. Today, half the world's population is under 30, and this generation is rising as a powerful force for peace. They are the voices demanding justice, the hands building harmony, and the leaders transforming societies.

Young people around the world are organizing protests, launching global movements, and spreading messages of unity across borders. In communities ravaged by conflict, they are the healers, the builders, the peacekeepers laying the groundwork for a resilient future. Research confirms their impact: when young people's perspectives are heard and acted upon, peace efforts become stronger and more lasting.

These are the stories of young people championing peace worldwide. You, too, can be part of this movement. Join the UN¡¯s ActNow campaign and plant the seeds of hope and peace today.

 

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How young people contribute to peace

From marching in the streets to mobilizing on social media, young activists are raising awareness about injustices and protesting against wars. Some are using their artistic talents to spread messages of unity and understanding through music, film and various other forms of creative expression. Learn about how some of them are making a difference in their communities.

 

Learn more: /en/peaceandsecurity/how-young-people-contribute-peace

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A generation of hope

From Kosovo to The Gambia, changemakers like Nevena ?okovi? and Bakary Sonko are demonstrating the power of community-led solutions. Through climate-resilient agriculture, they're not just cultivating crops but also hope in communities facing environmental hardship. Their stories are a powerful reminder that even in the face of global problems, local action can make a world of difference.

 

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Silencing the hate

Meet Selma Drini, a young activist from Montenegro, who is using her digital prowess and determination to combat hate speech and discrimination. Motivated by witnessing the fear and insecurity that hate can inflict on her community, Selma has dedicated herself to fostering equality and tolerance online. Discover how she's actively reshaping narratives and promoting peace through her impactful work.

 

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Poems for peace

¡°One day I wish to hear no more guns shoot," writes eight-year-old Chrisjordan from Haiti. His words echo the hopes and dreams of countless young poets around the world, many living amidst the harsh realities of war and violence. Listen to their poems and take a glimpse into their lived experiences and their unwavering desire for a brighter future.

 

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Youth on the front lines

In war-ravaged Sudan, where aid organizations struggle to operate, Hanin Ahmed, Muhammad Al-Ebaid,and AbuZar Othman have become beacons of hope. They spearhead youth-driven emergency responses, delivering lifesaving aid to those in need. Discover the story of these remarkable individuals and how they are making a profound impact in the face of immense challenges.

 

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Nurturing hope amidst adversity

Meet Sara Al Shamali and Ahmed Halabi, young Gazans aid volunteers who are risking their own safety to help others caught in the same conflict. "No circumstances will extinguish the lifeline of hope for our young people," says Sara. Discover their inspiring stories of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

 

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Championing gender equality

In Tanzania, Bhoke, a passionate 18-year-old, is battling gender inequality. In her school, many girls were forced to leave because of child marriage, early pregnancy and gender-based violence such as female genital mutilation. Partnering with a local NGO, Bhoke helped to educate fellow students about how to stand up for their rights against such practices.

 

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Technology to protect people

Sara Wahedi was forced to flee Afghanistan with her family, but her homeland is never far from her thoughts. ¡°I think that's the reason why my work is so focused on Afghanistan,¡± she says. Now, this young activist has merged her tech skills with her drive to help people, by creating a digital app that alerts users in Afghanistan of events that could threaten their lives.

 

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Architects of peace and reconciliation

Matienge, a young woman from Cit¨¦ Soleil, Haiti, self-identifies as a "peace mediator." Since 2022, Matienge has been a part of a group of mostly women mediators from across the capital of Port-au-Prince who are actively engaged in facilitating and resolving conflicts within their communities, mostly perpetrated by armed gang violence, and providing support to victims of gender-based violence.

 

Learn more: /peacebuilding/content/young-women-architects-peace-haiti

¡°When the whole world is silent, even one voice ²ú±ð³¦´Ç³¾±ð²õ&²Ô²ú²õ±è;±è´Ç·É±ð°ù´Ú³Ü±ô.¡±

Digital assets

Download our cards and join us to promote a peaceful world for everyone through your digital channels, using the hashtag #ActNow, #OurCommonFuture or #²Ù±ÆÊÓƵappBegins

A cartoon showing three activists with signs advocatig for peace

Uniting voices for justice and harmony, advocating nonviolence to build a peaceful future.

An illustration of a blue badge featuring two white doves with an olive branch held in their beaks, with the words '²Ù±ÆÊÓƵapp Activist' written in yellow

Wear the badge of harmony and drive the change for world free of violence.

An illustration of four people holding puzzle pieces that join together at the center of frame to make a picture of a dove holding an olive branch

Around the globe, and across the range of issues, peace is the missing piece.

An illustration of the knotted gun sculpture that is outside the United Nations building in New York

The world is overarmed and peace is under-funded.

An illustration of six pairs of two seated people in conversation, in which at least one of the people is a woman

Women must have a seat at the table to make peace last.

White block-letter text that reads 'Keeping the ²Ù±ÆÊÓƵapp' on a blue background

²Ù±ÆÊÓƵapp begins with me, you and all of us.

Other campaigns

Since 1948, over two million peacekeepers, including soldiers, police, engineers and medics have stood by communities to aid nations in their journey from conflict to peace. Join them and be a part of the "²Ù±ÆÊÓƵapp begins with me" movement to show how each of us can contribute to lasting peace.

One in three women experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations. Join UN Women¡¯s ¡°16 days of activism¡± campaign to fight gender-based violence everywhere.