Participants of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Office for Disarmament Affairs' Youth4Disarmament Forum at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ headquarters in New York. Credit: ODA
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Office for Disarmament Affairs ¨C empowering youth in securing our common future
Disarmament ¨C whether eliminating weapons of mass destruction or controlling conventional arms ¨C lies at the heart of the collective security system established by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter. In fact, the very first resolution adopted by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly in 1946 created a commission to address the urgent concerns surrounding atomic energy.
Today, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ recognizes that young people, making up the largest generation in history, have a critical role to play. Youth are essential in raising awareness and developing innovative approaches to reduce the threats posed by all weapons and their proliferation.
To learn more about their vision and impact, we asked the (ODA) five quick questions.
What is your main area of work with youth?
(Y4D) is the flagship youth outreach programme of ODA, established in 2019, to promote the meaningful and inclusive participation and empowerment of youth on disarmament and non-proliferation issues through capacity building, engagement opportunities and creative challenges.
Youth disarmament advocates from affected communities and the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu (centre-right), support ODA's "" (N.O.N.E) campaign to raise awareness among the younger generation on the potentially existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. Credit: ODA
Why are young people key to building lasting peace?
Lasting peace is built through meaningful youth participation: when young people shape decisions, solutions become more legitimate, inclusive, and sustainable. This was also at the core of the , where 30 youth experts produced an outcome document with actionable recommendations for Member States to address nuclear risks in the age of emerging technologies.
Participants of ODA's in Nagasaki, Japan. Credit: ODA
Name one way your organization empowers young people to become agents of peace.
Every two years, our equips 100 young leaders from around the world with the tools and knowledge to advance nuclear disarmament efforts by amplifying the stories of atomic bombing survivors, fostering initiatives and advocacy within their regions.
Every year on 29 August, young people around the world walk or run 8.29 kilometres to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests as part of ODA's "Step Up for Disarmament" initiative. Credit: ODA
What's the one key thing that young people are doing today that gives you hope for peace?
A key source of hope for peace is the way young people are working together to break barriers ¨C across countries and generations ¨C while translating commitments into concrete, context-responsive actions to prevent armed violence and strengthen their communities.
For example, through our Spanish-speaking , young people in Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrate their commitment to change, bring innovative ideas and methodologies, and generate tangible impact in advancing sustainable peace across the region.
Youth disarmament advocates and High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu (centre) gather by the newly planted Hibakujumoku trees (atomic bomb survivor trees) to mark the 80th anniversary of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Credit: ODA
What's one action anyone, anywhere, can take to support youth's contribution to peace?
Expand your knowledge and engage. ODA offers with infographics, podcasts, videos, free e-learning courses and more. Any person including young people can access these resources, gain a better understanding of these issues, and contribute to change.
Stay informed through participating in learning programmes and inspire others to get involved!
Learn more about ODA's work on and .