HAMILTON, Canada 

The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution to strengthen the role of young people in global peace and security efforts, providing a significant push to the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda.

All 15 members of the Council voted in favor of the resolution that was submitted by Sierra Leone and Guyana.

Urging UN member states to deepen engagement with youth in peacebuilding and expand national action plans on YPS, the resolution calls to reinforce cooperation between the Council, UN entities and the Peacebuilding Commission.

It also urges safeguarding the meaningful participation of youth briefers in Council meetings.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Sierra Leone's UN envoy Michael Imran Kanu highlighted the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities and contributions of young people in conflict situations.

"Across the globe, young people are actively engaged in the front lines of conflict. They represent the core of both combatants and victims of conflict. They bear the brunt of violence, including through the disruption of their education and erosion of opportunities for development," he said.

Noting that the Council has lacked consistent attention on youth issues, Kanu underlined that "the radicalization and recruitment of youth by terrorists and extremist groups as well as criminal gangs remain a grave concern."

"We are convinced that adoption of this resolution will help close critical gaps, catalyze implementation and reinforce confidence among young people that their voices matter in shaping peace and security outcomes," he said.