UNITED NATIONS, May 29, 2024 -- The International Youth Organization's Ambassador and Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Daniel del Valle Blanco, on Tuesday underscored the critical role of women and youth in maintaining international peace and security during his address at the UN Security Council.

 

Blanco praised the Republic of Mozambique for its leadership in the council during May and thanked them for organizing the significant debate - "Maintenance of international peace and security: the role of women and young people."

 

He highlighted the foundational importance of peace for societal development, stating, "Peace is fundamental to any society; without it, there is no life or future."

 

Blanco stressed the importance of integrating young people, particularly women and girls, into peace-building processes.

 

He noted that the International Youth Organization's New Youth Agenda aims to enhance global cooperation on youth issues and strengthen peace and security efforts across all sectors.

 

"Preserving peace requires a comprehensive approach that includes short, medium, and long-term actions aimed at preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts," Blanco said.

 

He emphasized that such efforts must be sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking, involving young people as active partners rather than passive recipients.

 

The ambassador also called for the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1325 on "Women, Peace, and Security" and 2250 on "Youth, Peace, and Security," which promote the active involvement of women and youth in conflict prevention and resolution.

 

Blanco pointed out the complexities involved in executing these resolutions and advocated for an intersectional and comprehensive approach that adapts to various global contexts.

 

Highlighting the vulnerability of young women to discrimination and violence, Blanco emphasized the need for their increased protection and involvement in political processes.

 

He argued that their contributions are often overlooked in discussions about youth and violence due to perceived lower threat levels, which diminishes their potential roles in fostering sustainable peace.

 

In conclusion, Blanco called on member states to commit to engaging youth communities meaningfully, both nationally and locally.

 

He stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue to build trust and facilitate effective intergenerational communication, which he deemed essential for the tangible and effective construction of peace and security.