The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada), with the support of the Department of National Defence, is hosting a Youth as Peacebuilders Forum as part of the 3rd UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial, to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 14-15, 2017.
UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial
Over 500 delegates from more than 70 countries and international organizations are expected to take part in the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial. Delegates will discuss improvements to UN peacekeeping operations and focus on securing new pledges from Member States. An event called Focus on Peacekeeping will complement the conference and will explore the importance of a comprehensive approach to peacekeeping. Youth as Peacebuilders will be featured as one of two themes.
Youth as Peacebuilders Forum
The Youth as Peacebuilders Forum will elevate Canadian youth perspective on peacebuilding as well as review and validate the global progress study on the contribution of youth to peacebuilding. The Progress Study is mandated through UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security, the first resolution to recognize youth as agents of change in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. The resolution highlights five pillars for action: Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnership and Disengagement and Reintegration. The Youth as Peacebuilders Forum will explore these pillars and will culminate in a final report to be submitted to the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defence and UN Secretariat.
Call for Delegates and Peer Leader
UNA-Canada is looking to engage 10 to 12 UBC students of any nationality, between the ages of 18 and 29, as youth delegates for the Forum. Delegates will take part in 3 consultations in advance of the Forum between Oct 23rd and Nov 10th:
Consultation 1: Overview of UNSCR 2250 (2015) and Youth, Peace and Security
Consultation 2: Exploring youth initiatives, youth engagement and partnerships
Consultation 3: Recommendations: Challenges and Solutions
All delegates will meet in-person on November 14 to prepare their inputs for a report on youth-inclusive peacebuilding work in Canada and the world. On November 15, delegates will have the opportunity to engage with the Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence of Canada and UN leaders on their findings.
We are also seeking expressions of interest for the Peer Leader position. The Peer Leader will lead the UBC delegation and will be responsible for guiding, facilitating and moderating the consultations. Peer Leaders should demonstrate particular interest and expertise on youth, peace and security.
CANIMUN
Participants selected for the forum will have the option to attend CANIMUN in Ottawa, March 8-11th. Registration fees will be waived. Students will need to cover the cost of travel and accommodation.
Application Process
Please fill out the online form by Oct 16th: https://ir.sites.olt.ubc.ca/peacekeeping-application/. Applicants will be notified of the results no later than Oct 20th.
*Please note that you can apply for an additional event related to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial through the same application form. World Vision is hosting “Igniting Youth to Shape Canada’s Role in the World”. If you are interested in this opportunity please visit this page for more information prior to filling out the application form.
Please email andrea.reynolds@ubc.ca if you have any further questions.