Rosemary DiCarlo at the UN Security Council. UN Security Council: youth need to be involved in solving security problems in the Mediterranean Peace and Security
Investing in young people is investing in peace. This was stated on Wednesday by Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo at a meeting of the UN Security Council, which was dedicated to the role of youth in solving security problems in the Mediterranean.
In Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries, youth make up 55 percent of the population, she noted. Moreover, the majority of those who make the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean to escape conflict and poverty are young.
Youth in War Zones
Young girls are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, DiCarlo said. However, it is estimated that more than 90 percent of all combat deaths occur among young men, and one in four of the world’s youth lives in situations of armed conflict or violence.
The UN Deputy Chief of Political Affairs noted that a disaster is now unfolding in one of the Mediterranean regions: the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the war in Gaza have destroyed many young lives.
Youth Participation
“The impact of war and violence on young people is well known,” DiCarlo emphasized. “What is still not well understood is that youth – with their energy, innovation and creativity – can make peace efforts more sustainable and effective.”
The key point, according to the Deputy Secretary General, is the creation of political space so that representatives of the new generation can constructively participate in peace and security initiatives.
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DiCarlo recalled resolution 2250, which recognizes the important role of youth in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The document also urges Member States to include young people in decision-making processes at all levels.
The Deputy Head of the UN noted that over the past two years the number of young rapporteurs on the Security Council has decreased, and called for more opportunities for young people to be created in the Security Council.