Young People ‘Inheriting Planet on Fire’, Under-Secretary-General Warns Security Council, Noting Mediterranean Warming Much Faster than Global Average
The multifaceted challenges facing the Mediterranean amplify the region’s fragility and pose a fundamental obstacle to peace and security, the Security Council heard today as delegates underscored that the region’s youth are both the greatest victims of the security challenges and a key to resolving them.
Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said young people constitute 55 per cent of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean population, recalling the wave of demonstrations that swept across the region in 2011. While youth were at the forefront of these movements, protesting disenfranchisement and the lack of economic opportunity and employment, such grievances were exploited by violent and extremist networks to lure young people into their ranks.
One out of four young people worldwide is affected by violence or armed conflict, she pointed out, adding that they are more vulnerable to neglect, abuse, exploitation and recruitment by armed groups. On “the unfolding calamity in one part of the Mediterranean”, she said the 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas and the war in Gaza have destroyed many young lives. Seventy per cent of the population in Gaza is under the age of 30, with almost all experiencing unprecedented levels of trauma, violence, disease and food insecurity.
On climate change, she underscored that “young people are inheriting a planet on fire”, with the Mediterranean warming 20 per cent faster than the global average. Massive floods, devastating storms and prolonged droughts threaten the region’s livelihoods, health, water and food security. The World Bank predicts that without concrete climate action, up to 19 million people will become internal climate migrants in North Africa alone by 2050.
While the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund has invested $128 million in 97 projects supporting youth inclusion across more than 30 countries since 2016, she stressed that more funding is needed to translate youth inclusion “from a political commitment to tangible practice”.
Climate change is “possibly the most existential threat facing the future of the Mediterranean basin”, said Nasser Kamel, Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, adding that water poverty impacts 180 million people in the region. However, the vulnerability of specific parts of the region differs: the population in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean is 14 years younger than that in the North — with 50 per cent below the age of 24. This section of young people experiences some of the highest unemployment rates worldwide, particularly among women and girls.
However, the Mediterranean is not only a hotspot of global challenges but also a laboratory of solutions, he said, detailing his organization’s efforts to support young people, including through its Strategy on Youth 2030 action with youth from the region, which incorporates the green, blue and circular economies for job creation.
Sarra Messaoudi, Regional Lead of the Middle East and North Africa Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security, underscored that the population of over 60 million young people in the Mediterranean region deserves a future free from injustice, violence and instability. Noting that over 40,000 Palestinians have either been killed or buried under rubble, she stressed: “As young people, we are exhausted — enough is enough.”
On mobility challenges in the Mediterranean region, which prevent young people from reaching their full potential, she said migration laws and agreements continue to harm migrants’ rights in the region, and people who must cross the deadliest migration route in the world lack adequate social protection systems. Urging respect for human rights and dignity, she emphasized: “We want the Mediterranean Sea to be a sea of peace, not a sea of death.”
Turning to the climate-sensitive security risks, she spotlighted the example of Palestine, where “the struggle lies in saving what’s left of agricultural land”. To address this, young peacebuilders in Palestine are working to reconnect Palestinian farmers with their land by “organizing alternative tours and employing non-violent resistance techniques”. Considering the specific challenges facing the Arab Mediterranean world, she urged the Council to provide normative guidance on climate-sensitive security risks.
In the ensuing discussion, several delegates from the Mediterranean region spotlighted its complex and interconnected security challenges, including geopolitical tensions and conflict, terrorism, violent extremism, maritime security problems, human rights violations, socioeconomic inequalities, climate change and cybersecurity.
Among them was Ian Borg, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Council President for April, who spoke in his national capacity to warn that “climate change is disrupting traditional livelihoods and triggering population displacement at a time of rapid population growth”. Despite being often side-lined from decision-making processes, young people are leading positive change in peace and security in the region. It is vital to integrate youth, peace and security elements as part of the mandates of UN peacekeeping and special political missions, as well as those of UN country teams and resident coordinators, he added.
Expressing concern about the plight of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in the Mediterranean, France’s delegate spotlighted her country’s efforts in the dismantling of smuggling networks and providing coastguard training to avoid new tragedies at sea. She also stressed that youth — whose role is vital in providing lasting solutions to regional upheaval — must be fully involved and represented in the political process.
Renata Cvelbar Bek, Secretary-General for the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, said that to strengthen the Mediterranean’s resilience and peaceful prosperity, young persons must participate in peace and security deliberations and decision-making processes at all levels. Noting that sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean face “comparable peace and security challenges and share a vast untapped potential of young persons”, she highlighted the role of regional coordination for implementing the youth, peace and security agenda.
Conflicts and tensions in the Mediterranean region continue to “hold hostage” their people’s quest for peace, security, development and peaceful coexistence, said Ahmed Attaf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria. On “the new chapter in Israel’s continued attempts to eliminate one of the oldest crises in the region”, he said that “the youth of Palestine today do not have the right to dream of a safe and dignified life [or] aspire to an education”.
The speaker for Cyprus, speaking on behalf of the EU Med Group, said the region is home to a diverse and dynamic youth population, disproportionately affected by climate change, armed conflicts, irregular migration and organized crime. Recognizing the “intergenerational nature” of peacebuilding, she highlighted the connection between the youth, peace and security agenda and climate action.
Also underscoring the need to promote youth leadership and participation, the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, said the bloc supports over 30 youth-oriented conflict prevention and crisis response initiatives on four continents. “We have built up cross-regional networks of young peacebuilders to create channels for young persons to influence decision-making and contribute to the democratic life of their countries,” he added.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation voiced concern over the “shockingly high” death rate for migrants trying to reach European shores by sea, citing the unwillingness of the European Union member States to assume responsibility and ensure safe conditions for migrants and refugees.
Ahmet Yildiz, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, echoed that, citing the Mediterranean as “one of the world’s deadliest migration routes”, where thousands — including young people — have disappeared while crossing its waters. Painting a grim picture of the “unspeakable horrors” surrounding the lives in Gaza, where children and youth are deprived of water, food and shelter, he said that, in the six months of the conflict, the Councill has been unable to stop the catastrophe. He also noted that a settlement in Cyprus will contribute to the security of the entire Eastern Mediterranean region.
For his part, Ecuador’s delegate underscored the need to mobilize climate financing, asking: “How can we address an issue as crucial as climate change when youth in developing countries do not thrive but rather survive amid want and poverty?”
MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
Briefings
ROSEMARY DICARLO, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted resolution 2250 (2015), which urged Member States to increase youth representation in decision-making processes at all levels. Yet, so much more needs to be done to meet the aspirations of youth, including empowering them to participate in decisions that can affect their present and future. In the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, young people constitute 55 per cent of the population, she said, recalling the wave of demonstrations that swept across the region in 2011. Youth were at the forefront of these movements, protesting disenfranchisement and the lack of economic opportunity and employment. She also pointed out how violent and extremist networks exploited such grievances to lure young people into their ranks.
Noting that one out of four young people worldwide is affected by violence or armed conflict, she said they are more vulnerable to neglect, abuse and exploitation. Young people are also more likely to be recruited by armed groups when they have no other livelihood opportunities. Additionally, more than 90 per cent of all direct conflict deaths occur among young adult males. Exposure to conflict at a young age creates mental health and psychosocial impacts that persist into adulthood. “These grim facts and figures are borne out in the unfolding calamity in one part of the Mediterranean,” she stressed. The 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas and the war in Gaza have destroyed many young lives. Seventy per cent of the population in Gaza is under 30, with almost all experiencing unprecedented levels of trauma, violence, disease and food insecurity. All schools across the Gaza Strip are closed, impacting more than 625,000 students.
Detailing ways in which young people can make the search for peace more sustainable and effective, she highlighted her Department’s “spirit of innovation” in its special political missions where it has deployed new technologies to organize digital consultations with youth. She drew particular attention to the “Training Future Leaders of Libya” initiative. Turning to climate change, she underscored that “young people are inheriting a planet on fire”, with last month being the hottest March ever recorded. The Mediterranean is particularly vulnerable to the phenomenon, warming 20 per cent faster than the global average. Massive floods, devastating storms and prolonged droughts threaten the region’s livelihoods, health, water and food security. The World Bank predicts that up to 19 million people will become internal climate migrants in North Africa alone by 2050 without concrete climate action.
To strengthen the role of youth as positive agents of change, regional and multilateral actions are essential, she underlined, noting that, through training, education and economic opportunities and by bringing new experiences and wealth back to their home countries, young people — especially women — can be agents of change. Further, her Department’s Youth, Peace and Security Strategy builds on the Youth Promotion Initiative of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund. It remains the only international financing mechanism dedicated to the implementation of the agenda. The Fund has invested $128 million in 97 projects in support of youth inclusion across more than 30 countries since 2016. However, more adequate, predictable and sustained funding is needed to translate youth inclusion “from a political commitment to tangible practice”. Urging the Council to create more opportunities for young briefers and to continue championing the youth, peace and security agenda — critical for the Mediterranean region and beyond — she stated: “Meaningful youth engagement can start in this Chamber.”
NASSER KAMEL, Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, said climate change is “possibly the most existential threat facing the future of the Mediterranean basin”, which needs to be tackled urgently to avoid becoming a serious stability risk. He noted research stating that the Mediterranean basin is warming 20 per cent faster than the rest of the world, and that, with current policies, regional temperatures will increase by 2.2 per cent by 2040 and 8.8 per cent by 2100. Water poverty also impacts 180 million people in the region. Alongside the environmental risks, these threats intensify poverty, reduce fundamental human rights and lead to migration, leading to profound State and human security challenges for Governments and people, particularly on the southern shore, he said. Therefore, climate adaptation policies need to be deeply connected with justice, equity, poverty alleviation, social inclusion and redistribution, he added.
He underscored the vulnerability of specific parts of the region: the population in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean is 14 years younger than that in the North — with 50 per cent of the population below the age of 24. This section of young people experiences some of the highest unemployment rates worldwide, particularly among women and girls. These are “stark realities that can lead to insecurity and instability”, he said. But he underlined that it is time “to draw attention to the Mediterranean, not only as a hotspot of global challenges but also as a laboratory of solutions, one that can be beneficial for the rest of the world”. Therefore, his organization is “not only working for youth but with them, so that they can build a more inclusive and sustainable future”.
In 2021, it launched its Strategy on Youth 2030 action with youth from the region, built on three pillars of environment and climate action, education and employment, and social inclusion and participation, with a cross-cutting gender lens, he said. It incorporates innovative sectors, including the green, blue and circular economies, for job creation. It works with Governments and industries for capacity-building for youth, women and marginalized groups. He called for young people to be better included in decision-making processes, in the initial, follow-up and monitoring phases, which his organization is doing. He emphasized youth as agents for peace, underlining that their enthusiasm and potential for shaping decisions is a resource the world can no longer afford to disregard. “We need to use this driving force, provide it with the right environment and space to thrive, and empower it to lead us towards a more secure and sustainable future,” he added.
SARRA MESSAOUDI, Regional Lead of the Middle East and North Africa Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security, spotlighted the over 60 million young people in the Mediterranean region — a population that deserves a future free from injustice, violence and instability. Noting that over 40,000 Palestinians have either been killed or buried under rubble, she stressed: “As young people, we are exhausted — enough is enough.” Civic space is under attack; to respond, young people are coming together to connect, collaborate and provide a safe space for solidarity and support. However, they face systematic barriers to meaningful engagement and participation in political, peace and security processes. She therefore urged the Council, for its part, to openly debate the Secretary-General’s report on the youth, peace and security agenda every two years; to integrate that agenda into all areas of its work; and to establish an informal expert group to support these efforts and connect young people to the organ’s work.
She went on to stress that mobility challenges in the Mediterranean region prevent young people from reaching their full potential but reported that, in response, such individuals are harnessing technology to create digital communities that are “borderless, fearless, collaborative and breakthrough”. However, migration laws and agreements continue to harm migrants’ rights in the Mediterranean, and people who must cross the deadliest migration route in the world lack adequate social protection systems. Urging respect for human rights and dignity, she emphasized: “We want the Mediterranean Sea to be a sea of peace, not a sea of death.” She then underlined the need to address climate-sensitive security risks, especially given the rising temperatures and floods the region witnessed in 2023. Noting the complexities of doing so in the Arab Mediterranean region, she spotlighted the example of Palestine, where “the struggle lies in saving what’s left of agricultural land”.
To address this, young peacebuilders in Palestine are working to reconnect Palestinian famers with their land by “organizing alternative tours and employing non-violent resistance techniques”, she said. For its part, the Council should provide normative guidance on climate-sensitive security risks, considering the specific challenges facing the Arab Mediterranean world. She also stressed that preference is given to humanitarian action with little investment in prevention and peacebuilding, stating that young people continue to struggle with the “complex funding ecosystem”. Stressing that young people are questioning the international system, international law and the veto, she added: “We are also questioning the imposition of peace agreements that we didn’t participate in shaping and that do not meet our expectations.” On that, she recalled the adoption of resolution 2728 (2024) on a ceasefire in Gaza, but observed that “this did not happen”. Against that backdrop, she relayed a key message from young people in the region: “We need to walk the talk.”
Statements
IAN BORG, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity, to underscore that the Mediterranean region continues to face complex and interconnected security challenges, including geopolitical tensions and conflict, terrorism, violent extremism, maritime security problems, human rights violations, socioeconomic inequalities, climate change and cybersecurity. “A holistic approach is needed to address them and their root causes in an effective manner,” he said, calling for close cooperation among countries of the region, including through regional and subregional organizations. “Climate change is disrupting traditional livelihoods and triggering population displacement at a time of rapid population growth,” he warned, noting that higher temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, droughts and wildfires are threatening food security, water resources and health and that slow onset events, like sea-level rise, have a direct bearing on coastal economies and critical infrastructure.
Pointing out that youth in the Mediterranean — where one in every three people is under the age of 25 — have often been sidelined from decision-making processes, he said that young people, however, are leading positive change in peace and security in the region. They are “at the forefront” of efforts to sustain peace and address climate change, he said, urging the Security Council to do more to offer the space for young people. The Council should discuss the youth, peace and security agenda and invite young briefers more frequently. It is vital to integrate and strengthen youth, peace and security elements as part of the mandates of UN peacekeeping and special political missions, as well as those of UN country teams and resident coordinators. In that regard, the Council should collaborate closely with the newly established Youth Office and the new Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs.
AHMED ATTAF, Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria, said crises, conflicts and tensions in the Mediterranean region continue to “hold hostage” their people’s quest for peace, security, development and peaceful coexistence. He said the Libyan crisis is prolonged due to different obstacles in the way of national reconciliation and institutional division and the difficulty the country is facing in launching inclusive and unified elections. The people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are experiencing a new chapter in Israel’s continued attempts to eliminate one of the oldest crises in the region, he stressed. “The youth of Palestine today do not have the right to dream of a safe and dignified life, they no longer have the right to aspire to an education,” he stated. The Mediterranean region has become subject to numerous cross-border problems — manifest in terrorist threats and related crime. Also, the increased threat posed by climate change can no longer be denied. The youth of the region are both the greatest victims of the security challenges and a key to resolving them, he pointed out, underscoring the urgent need to develop a collaborative approach.
RENATA CVELBAR BEK, Secretary-General for Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, emphasized that young persons must be part of the peace and security deliberations and decision-making processes at all levels. “It fosters opportunities for young people and leverages their potential to drive innovation and economic growth, while simultaneously cultivating space for their political and civic engagement,” she said. Calling for the establishment of an environment in which young persons can develop their potential and realize their aspirations, she underscored that this approach “will strengthen Mediterranean’s resilience and its peaceful prosperity”. Further, she urged to use education, research and innovation potential of the Slovenia-based Euro-Mediterranean University for the benefit of young people. Noting that youth-led capacity-building initiatives are “excellent examples” of how to promote the inclusion and meaningful participation of young persons in peace and security, she commended the role of the African Union in supporting and advocating for young persons’ leadership in conflict management and electoral processes. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean face “comparable peace and security challenges and share a vast untapped potential of young persons”, she said, emphasizing the role of regional coordination for the implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda.
The representative of the Republic of Korea said youth are a powerful agent for change and resilience in key agendas going beyond regional boundaries. He underlined that youth participation is noteworthy in disarmament and non-proliferation, where it can contribute to suggesting innovative and diverse perspectives. Such participation has become more relevant as technologies emerge which could transform the world in the future, he added. The Republic of Korea has hosted diverse events and programmes along such lines, including appointing university students as the country’s envoys for disarmament and non-proliferation, to promote youth participation and awareness. He said that climate, peace and security is another area in which youth participation is a driving force in mobilizing a global response. Youth in North-East Asia are creating climate initiatives, including participation in policy forums. His country is committed to enhancing the youth, peace and security agenda in the UN framework and its national policies, he underscored.
The representative of Switzerland spotlighted the stories of two young women — Ibtihal, originally from Tripoli, who organized a training programme to help women and youth access livelihood opportunities; and Sena, born in Damascus, who took the refugee route to Türkiye where, in her doctoral thesis, she tries to depict the bravery and resilience of refugees. “Ibtihal and Sena are not alone,” she observed. Stating that too many young people in the Mediterranean today bear the triple burden of conflict, marginalization and economic insecurity, she pointed out that this burden leads them to lose confidence in State institutions and take dangerous migratory routes — “as we have seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Syria and Libya”. It is therefore in the interest of the whole region and beyond to support them, she stressed, as Switzerland is doing with its “Youth for Change” project.
The representative of Sierra Leone said that his country experienced a tragic civil conflict, which ended over two decades ago. In the transitional justice process, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report identified, as one of the root causes of the conflict, youth not being considered as relevant actors for governance. Young people were also disproportionality affected by low levels of employment and limited access to finance and business opportunities. In his country’s post-conflict rebuilding efforts, young people were engaged as catalysts for peace, and key actors in conflict and violence prevention. Sierra Leone continues to consider the unique needs of young people in developing strategies for peace and sustainable development.
The representative of Ecuador highlighted the critical role of youth in achieving peace and security to overcome socioeconomic inequalities, prevent transnational threats and contribute to sustainable development in the Mediterranean region. Youth in the region — who comprise one third of the population — face the greatest percentage of current risks due to a lack of jobs and the increasingly precarious employment situation, the fragile nature of economic systems, the consequences of climate change and the disruptions related to armed conflict. Noting that 15 per cent of international migrants are young people, he underlined the need to address the root causes of conflict. “How can we address an issue as crucial as climate change when youth in developing countries do not thrive but rather survive in the midst of want and poverty?” he asked, stressing the need to mobilize climate financing.
The representative of Japan recalled that in 1862, after its two-centuries-long isolation policy, the first Japanese delegation was dispatched through the Mediterranean Sea to Europe to open relations with the international community. The Mediterranean has been the nodal point connecting two oceans and three continents, namely the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans, and Africa, Asia and Europe. Therefore, “the stability and prosperity of the region is of great importance for maintaining international peace and security”, he said, noting some challenges, including migrant smuggling. Japan established a diplomatic relationship with Malta in 1965 and opened its Embassy there in 2024, he said, expressing Tokyo’s determination to cooperate with Mediterranean countries for peace in the region.
The representative of France, expressing concern about the plight of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in the Mediterranean, said that her country is contributing to the dismantling of smuggling networks and is providing coastguard training to avoid new tragedies at sea. Youth have a key role in providing lasting solutions to regional upheaval, she said, adding that “they must be fully involved and represented in the political process”. She underlined that efforts are needed to avoid regional spillover and to uphold international law in the Middle East, and she called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Youth’s full, equal and meaningful participation in conflict prevention and peacekeeping is essential for ensuring long-term international stability, she emphasized. But, she underlined, they remain largely excluded from the decision-making process, political institutions and the labour market. The international community must bolster its commitment towards youth. She called for increased participation of young people in the UN climate negotiations.
The representative of China called for full implementation of resolution 2728 (2024) and for the blockade on Gaza to be lifted to give the population access to basic survival needs. Regional development and peace can only be achieved “when every young person enjoys security and dignity”, and he also highlighted the importance of addressing the issues faced by refugees and migrants — “the situation of which is grim in the Mediterranean”. “No one would like to be uprooted,” he observed, urging developed countries to increase support to developing ones to improve economies and livelihoods. Adding that terrorist organizations are mobilizing young people in North Africa, the Sahel and Syria, he called on the international community to support regional counter-terrorism efforts, strengthen border-control and law-enforcement cooperation and reduce the harms of drug and arms trafficking.
The representative of the Russian Federation underscored that children should not be drawn into politics, as it creates the risk that they will be presenting the interests of certain political groups as the vision of the young generation. While on the African shores, the impact of climate change is more devastating and requires a longer-term period for recovery as these countries lack resources for adaptation, he emphasized that climate change should not be presented as “the root cause of all conflicts”. Turning to the Mediterranean, he said “an existential rift is running along this body of water”: on one side, a prosperous Europe; on the other side, a region — primarily due to the West’s inference — wracked by conflict and internal instability. Libya has not yet recovered from the devastating effects of Western intervention on its statehood, he said, also voicing concern over the challenges faced by Syria, Iraq and Gaza. Noting the “shockingly high” death rate for migrants trying to reach European shores by sea, he said the European Union member States are unwilling to assume responsibility and take appropriate measures to ensure safe conditions for migrants and refugees. Instead, they continue to use force.
The representative of Guyana said that the Council can lead by example by demonstrating confidence in the world’s youth. This includes increasing opportunities for young persons to brief the Council and continuing to integrate and strengthen the youth, peace and security agenda into mandate renewals of peacekeeping and special political missions. “Young people must be at negotiating tables and integrally involved in implementing peace agreements,” she said, demanding that adequate resourcing for youth empowerment and participation be built into mandates. The Mediterranean is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate risks and represents a microcosm of what many regions — including the Caribbean — are experiencing. “If developing countries continue to lack the finance necessary to adapt to climate change and meet the development needs of their people, including their youth, peace and security will be a casualty in many other places,” she said, stressing: “We must work to ensure this is not the case.”
The representative of the United Kingdom observed that the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund is a key instrument in promoting the positive role of young people as agents of peace, and she highlighted that her country has provided over $35 million to the Fund since 2020. There is clear evidence that young people are disproportionately impacted by climate change, but they are also agents of change in the response, she said. She noted that in the Mediterranean region, climate change contributes to migration. She said that “the emerging challenges and opportunities” of migration need to be carefully managed, including recognizing the role of young people in delivering adaptation solutions that provide people with options for sustainable livelihoods that do not compel them to migrate. She urged for commitments to be translated into action, by strengthening young people’s inclusion in decision-making and peace development and mediation processes.
The representative of Mozambique urged to recognize young people as “active agents of change, not just passive victims or perpetrators of violence”. Highlighting the Union for the Mediterranean’s strategy — a “pathway toward peace and security” — he emphasized its vision for a Mediterranean where young people actively shape their future. Also pointing to the youth, peace and security agenda as a “critical framework” for promoting the active engagement of youth in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery, he urged to ensure its adequate funding. “The Council’s influence is crucial in steering the Mediterranean region towards a path of peace and stability,” he said, calling on the 15-member organ to integrate youth perspectives in its agenda. Spotlighting the “inspirational” model of collaboration between the organ and the African Union Peace and Security Council, he urged to replicate this model with the Union for the Mediterranean to empower youth participation in conflict prevention.
The representative of the United States observed that, when conflict erupts, young people lose months or years of education, face “unspeakable” violence and experience a “rapid narrowing” of opportunities. Mediterranean youth are currently witnessing great trauma — “the effects of which will be felt for some time” — and she underlined the importance of healing and participation to durable, sustainable peace. “Young people need to be part of the conversation in building the future they will inhabit,” she stressed. In Libya, United States support for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes focuses on building institutional capacity to pilot community-level projects that can be scaled-up as opportunities arise. Stating her country’s commitment to advocating for the inclusion of youth perspectives, she recalled a Congolese saying: “When the youth play the drums, the elders can also dance.”
The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, noted that the bloc launched its Youth Action Plan in 2022, contributing to the implementation of Council resolution 2250 (2015) by promoting youth leadership and participation, including in conflict situations. The Union supports over 30 youth-oriented conflict prevention and crisis response initiatives on four continents. In the Southern Mediterranean region, its flagship initiatives conducted with the Union for the Mediterranean are under way, including the Young Mediterranean Voices network. These projects are implemented in partnership with international and local civil society organizations. “We have built up cross-regional networks of young peacebuilders to create channels for young persons to influence decision-making and contribute to the democratic life of their countries,” he said, encouraging UN Member States to similarly contribute to the full implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda.
AHMET YILDIZ, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, underscored that the Mediterranean region stands “at the crossroads of history”, with complex challenges ranging from political instability, conflicts and terrorism to climate change, irregular migration and socioeconomic disparities. He observed that young people — agents of change — can challenge the status quo, noting the need to empower them through education, skills development and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. Young people are at the forefront of climate action, he said, adding that funding and resources for climate adaptation should be enhanced and regional mechanisms to facilitate cooperation on climate-related initiatives among States strengthened. Citing the Mediterranean as “one of the world’s deadliest migration routes”, he said that thousands — including young people — have disappeared while crossing its waters. On the situation in Gaza, he said the lives of children and young people — deprived of water, food and shelter — are surrounded by “unspeakable horrors”. Yet, in the six months of the conflict, the Council has been unable to stop the catastrophe. He also pointed out that a settlement in Cyprus will contribute to the security of the entire Eastern Mediterranean region.
The representative of Cyprus, speaking on behalf of EU Med Group, noted that the region is home to a diverse and dynamic youth population, disproportionately affected by climate change, armed conflicts, irregular migration and organized crime. These challenges lead to vulnerability, socioeconomic inequalities and impact the well-being and mental health of young persons. Emphasizing that young people are “at the forefront” of identifying innovative solutions to regional and global challenges, she urged to ensure their full, meaningful and effective participation at all levels of decision-making, including at the United Nations. Calling for an open debate in the Council on the Secretary-General’s third report on youth, peace and security, she voiced full support to the mandate of the United Nations Youth Office. The full, meaningful and effective participation of youth in policy and decision-making in peace and security is essential, she noted, stressing the need to recognize the “intergenerational nature” of peacebuilding. Underscoring the connection between the youth, peace and security agenda and climate action, she called for substantial funding for the latter.
The representative of Egypt said international financial institutions should support developing countries’ efforts to increase economic growth rates, access development finance and provide job opportunities, including via help with national debt. He added that migration in the Mediterranean requires a comprehensive approach to address its root causes, including economic opportunities. He noted that more investment is needed in education programmes, research and academic exchanges for the youth of the region, and for more scholarships, especially in science and technology. Greater cooperation in training and education is essential to empower the youth politically, economically and socially, and to protect them from being recruited by terrorist and criminal groups. The best way to achieve stability in the region is a just settlement to the Palestinian question, he underlined. He said the region’s people must become a driver for tolerance and a better future, through strengthened cooperation and consultation mechanisms and expansion of regional platforms for political, social and cultural dialogue in the region.
The representative of Lebanon, noting his country’s history as a “crossroads of civilizations”, recalled that it was from there that the Phoenicians set off to roam the Mediterranean, bringing scholars who shared their alphabet with mankind. Today, however, the region’s youth often lack opportunity. Many despair and migrate, and he called on the international community to collectively resolve conflicts and ensure economic development “if we want to keep these young people in their homelands”. For their part, Lebanese youth — 40 per cent of the population — held the first local youth conference in Lebanon in 2023, drafting a climate statement urging the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes. Adding that his country faces migration challenges — and that dangers existing in Lebanon today will “inevitably” impact other Mediterranean States — he called on the international community to resolve this crisis “by ensuring the return of refugees and IDPs [internally displaced persons] to safe areas in Syria”.
The representative of Italy said it was “a common responsibility” to create enabling environments that can allow youth to express their full potential and contribute to building more peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies. For this reason, “the full involvement of youth in democratic processes and in the definition and implementation of social policies should not be limited to the national sphere but should also be guaranteed at the regional and global level,” he said. In the face of growing conflicts and threats to multilateralism, it is pertinent to empower youth to be agents of positive change, he said, urging to facilitate youth involvement in mediation efforts, as well as in the management of all phases of the conflict cycle. Italy is committed to engaging youth in addressing climate change and, therefore, is co-leading the global initiative Youth4Climate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aiming to empower young people to implement projects to combat the climate crisis.
The representative of Morocco said that the Mediterranean region is vital to peace, security and development for the entire world. Once the cradle of numerous civilizations, it is currently an epicentre of crises. Peace and security in the region continue to be under threat due to a lack of respect for international law, the expansion of terrorism, interference in the domestic affairs of neighbouring States, encouragement of separatism and the use of separatist armed groups linked with terrorism to threaten the territorial integrity of States in the region, as is the case for Morocco. Against this backdrop, he stressed that the key principle for peaceful settlement of disputes must be implemented daily by all the nations in the region, noting that youth are at the forefront of building peace and stability.