Historic resolution

The UN Security Council has acted on HRH Crown Prince Hussein’s call for greater involvement of young people in combating terrorism and the promotion of peace by adopting the historic Resolution 2250 on youth, peace and security last week. 

The initiative to engage young women and men in combating and preventing violent extremism and instead promoting peace and security was the brainchild of the Crown Prince who saw in the younger generation great potential for fighting the rising tide of terrorism and violence, and to channel this huge reservoir of power in the cause of peace building. 

He launched this international action in April while chairing a UN Security Council open debate on the “Role of Youth in Countering Violent Extremism and Promoting Peace”.  

The resolution, which had been officially submitted by Jordan as a Security Council member, gives a universal expression to the Amman Youth Declaration by calling on all nations and stakeholders to make young people partners in the global effort to combat terrorism and promote peace and security. 

Security Council members unanimously approved the declaration, which was adopted in August with input from over 10,000 young peace builders at the first-ever Global Forum on Youth, Peace and Security, held on the shores of the Dead Sea.

The declaration outlined the need to leverage institutional support for youth-driven initiatives and programmes. 

It is no secret that misguided youths are the backbone of terrorist factions, including Daesh, and provide the manpower for perpetrating violence. 

When the minds of young people are liberated from the reign of extremists and become involved in the fight against radicalisation and terrorism, groups like Daesh will find no one to fight their battles. 

Marginalisation of the younger generation in the bigger battle against terrorist ideology must therefore end by adopting ways and means for their involvement in peace building. 

Only then will the war against terrorism succeed.