Summary Report on the Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future, Montpellier, France (July 22-26, 2024)

The Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future, held in Montpellier, France, brought together youth leaders from over 41 countries across the globe to make their voices be heard through engaging in meaningful dialogue on global peacebuilding efforts. 

Organized by Dr. Andrise Bass, Founder of the Institute of Public Policy & Diplomacy Research (IPPDR), and hosted by the City of Montpellier, the summit marked a significant milestone in youth-led peace initiatives, culminating in the adoption of the “DÉCLARATION DE MONTPELLIER” (Montpellier Declaration).

For many of these young participants, it was their first time learning how to draft resolutions, collaborate effectively, and navigate the processes of amendments. This experience not only empowered them with practical skills but also gave them a profound understanding of teamwork and diplomacy. It’s inspiring to see the next generation take their first steps in shaping a more peaceful and collaborative future.

Key Highlights of the Summit:

1. Plenary Sessions and Workshops:

   – The summit featured plenary sessions and workshops that emphasized the intersection of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agendas. These sessions highlighted the essential role of youth in peacebuilding, particularly in Africa, where the youth demographic holds significant potential for contributing to sustainable peace.

   – Multilingual workshops coordinated by experts allowed youth delegates to discuss and contribute to the five pillars of UNSCR 2250 (2015): participation, prevention, protection, partnership, and disengagement and reintegration.

2. Adoption of the Montpellier Declaration:

   – The “DÉCLARATION DE MONTPELLIER” was a key outcome of the summit, representing the collective commitment of youth delegates to advancing the global peacebuilding agenda. The declaration reflects the diverse perspectives of youth from various continents, addressing the pressing global challenges and emphasizing the importance of youth inclusion in peace processes.

Montpellier Declaration:

The declaration outlines several key recommendations to enhance the implementation of UNSCR 2250 (2015) and promote a peaceful and sustainable future:

– Participation: The declaration calls for active representation and participation of marginalized youth, including persons with disabilities, indigenous, displaced, migrants, refugees, and LGBTQAI+ communities, in peace processes.

– Protection: Emphasizing compliance with international law, the declaration urges the implementation of all previous UN Security Council resolutions to end impunity and calls for financial assistance to youth organizations involved in peace initiatives.

– Prevention: The declaration highlights the importance of promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and dialogue, and discouraging participation in acts of violence, terrorism, and discrimination.

– Partnerships: The declaration supports collaborative initiatives between youth organizations and the public and private sectors to foster dialogue, peace, and reconciliation.

– Disengagement and Reintegration: The declaration calls for adequate structures and institutions to support the disengagement and reintegration of youth into society.

– Next Steps: The declaration requests the UN Secretary-General to review the progress of youth contributions to peace processes and calls for inclusive representation of youth in decision-making processes at all levels.

IPPDR’s Role and Contribution:

The IPPDR is proud to have played a central role in the summit, emphasizing its mission to promote lifelong learning and empower students to cultivate proficiency across various domains. As the first institution to award sustainable development diplomacy certificates to over 1,500 change-makers, IPPDR is dedicated to supporting students in developing strategies and mechanisms that contribute to both national and international peacebuilding efforts. Through hybrid courses, scholarships, and community-focused projects, IPPDR continues to shape a secure and sustainable future for all.

Acknowledgments:

The success of the summit and the adoption of the Montpellier Declaration would not have been possible without the support and contributions of key figures and organizations:

– Mrs. Hawa Taylor Kamara Diallo, Mentor of IBTK Foundation

– Prince Jean Louis Bingna

– Dr. Bruno Mpondo Epo

– Mayor Michael Delafosse

– Maison Affaires Internationales de Montpellier

– UN Habitat

– UN Habitat Youth Advisory Council

The Youth Summit on Peace and a Sustainable Future in Montpellier was a groundbreaking event, showcasing the vital role of youth in global peacebuilding efforts. The adoption of the Montpellier Declaration marks a significant step forward in the YPS agenda, with youth leaders from around the world committed to leading and supporting these efforts. The IPPDR remains committed to its mission of empowering students and contributing to a peaceful and sustainable future for all.