The Youth, Peace & Security (YPS) National Action Plans (NAPs) Community of Practice (CoP) is a vital initiative designed to strengthen the design, management, and implementation of YPS NAPs globally. Recognizing the critical role of young people in peacebuilding and the challenges many countries face in translating the YPS agenda into effective national strategies, this CoP seeks to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation among key stakeholders. This initiative is supported by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by Search for Common Ground.
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YPS NAP Resources Countries General YPS Resources
Click on the map above for data assessing leadership, participation, and inclusion of young people in the implementation of the Youth, Peace & Security (YPS) agenda at the national level, provided by YPS Monitor.
About the YPS NAPs CoP
The UN Security Council adopted resolution 2250 in 2015, recognizing the essential role of young people in preventing & resolving conflicts & in sustaining peace. The resolution “calls on Member States to include young people in their institutions and mechanisms to prevent violent conflict and to support the work already being performed by youth in peace and security” (United Nations).
The YPS agenda has gained significant momentum globally, with increasing recognition of the crucial role young people play in peace and security. However, translating global commitments into concrete national action presents significant hurdles. Many countries embarking on the development or implementation of YPS NAPs encounter challenges related to:
• Building trust and collaboration between governments and youth.
• Securing institutional commitment and resources.
• Developing evidence-based strategies and cost-effective monitoring frameworks.
• Adapting to evolving contexts and emerging challenges.
Building on Finland’s pioneering role in developing the first YPS NAP and the success of the Helsinki YPS Process, this CoP aims to address these challenges by creating a dynamic platform for peer learning, knowledge exchange, and collaborative problem-solving. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as relationships between young people and institutions are strained by multiple crises and polarization, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive and effective YPS strategies.
The overarching goals of the YPS NAP CoP are:
• Improved Trust and Collaboration: To foster stronger relationships and more effective collaboration between governments and youth in the design, implementation, and monitoring of YPS NAPs.
• Increased Institutional Commitment: To enhance institutional capacity and commitment to developing, managing, implementing, innovating, and resourcing national strategies and plans that advance an evidence-based YPS agenda.
• Path to Global Network: To establish a robust foundation for the YPS CoP to evolve into the First Global YPS Focal Point Network, creating a sustainable mechanism for global coordination and support.
Specific objectives include:
• Facilitating regular virtual and (potentially) in-person meetings and workshops to foster knowledge sharing and peer learning.
• Developing and disseminating practical resources, tools, and best practices on YPS NAP development and implementation.
• Creating a dedicated online platform for communication, collaboration, and resource sharing.
• Promoting evidence-based approaches to YPS programming and policy development.
• Strengthening the capacity of stakeholders to engage effectively in YPS NAP processes.
The membership of the CoP includes a diverse range of stakeholders:
• Government officials involved in YPS NAP development and implementation.
• National youth leaders and youth-led organizations.
• Civil society organizations working on YPS.
• UN agencies supporting YPS NAPs.
• Private sector actors interested in contributing to YPS.
• Intergovernmental organizations supporting youth-inclusive national and regional strategies.
• Donor agencies investing in youth leadership, inclusive governance processes and peace and security initiatives
The existing membership of the CoP spans 30 countries and includes representatives from diverse backgrounds and institutions, offering a rich foundation for peer learning.
The CoP was launched in November 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. Activities include:
• Regular Virtual Meetings: Monthly or bi-monthly virtual meetings to discuss specific themes, share experiences, and learn from experts.
• In-person gatherings: When appropriate, organize in-person gatherings globally, regionally or at national-level to strengthen learning, trust and collaboration.
• Thematic Workshops: Focused workshops on key challenges and opportunities related to YPS NAP development and implementation.
• Online Platform: A dedicated online platform to facilitate communication, resource sharing, and collaboration.
• Knowledge Products: Development and dissemination of practical guides, toolkits, and case studies.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections and partnerships among CoP members.
The CoP is expected to achieve the following outcomes:
• Improved quality and effectiveness of YPS NAPs globally.
• Increased collaboration and trust between governments and youth.
• Enhanced institutional capacity for YPS implementation.
• A stronger global YPS community and a solid foundation for the future Global YPS Focal Point Network.
• Increased awareness and understanding of the YPS agenda among key stakeholders.
The CoP will prioritize building strong relationships and ownership among members to ensure its long-term sustainability. The development of a robust online platform and the establishment of clear governance structures will further contribute to its continued impact beyond the initial timeframe. The aspiration to evolve into the First Global YPS Focal Point Network will ensure the continuation and scaling of the work.
The YPS NAP CoP represents a significant opportunity to strengthen national policy, legislation and programming efforts to advance the YPS agenda. By fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation, this initiative will contribute to:
- • strengthening young people’s sense of agency,
• improving trust and legitimacy of institutions that respond to youth grievances,
• improving trust between youth and institutions,
• reducing violence and
• increasing investments and resources to support and advance intergenerational leadership.