In many parts of the world, young people are leading innovative actions that are building and sustaining peace and promoting inclusive governance. Despite their contributions, they continue to face multiple forms of exclusion, discrimination and marginalization. Their human rights should be protected and promoted, and young women and men should also be more systematically supported as trusted partners and leaders in sustainable development.
It was against this background that the 16 x 16 Dialogue Series was co-created by young people and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in context of the 16 x 16 Initiative. It brought together decision-makers, youth, the United Nations and other partners and stakeholders for a conversation on amplifying youth-led actions and enhancing youth engagement in decision-making processes towards peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
The global event of the 16 x 16 Dialogue Series was held 16 March 2021 and attended by 150+ participants. You can see the programme and presentation and watch the recording of the event.
Young leaders shared their experiences with youth-led peacebuilding, youth leadership, youth at the frontlines of COVID-19 response and the role of youth networks for inclusive decision-making processes. A panel offered insights on the future of youth engagement in development processes by highlighting opportunities and challenges for the promotion and protection of civic space, stakeholder engagement in implementation, monitoring and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mechanisms for youth engagement at all levels. Young leaders and UNDP reflected upon lessons learned from the 16 x 16 Initiative such as the development of the Rome Youth Call-to-Action on SDG 16 and the amplification of youth voices and local experiences to inform global conversations. The closing segment recognized principles and efforts to support youth leadership and also pointed to the insufficient investment in young people as agents of change for sustainable development and peace.
