Statement by Renata Cvelbar Bek, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia at the High-level Debate on the Maintenance of international peace and security, The role of young persons in addressing security challenges in the Mediterranean

Thank you Mr. President,

I want to thank Malta for organizing this important debate on the role of young persons in shaping a more peaceful world of tomorrow. I also wish to thank Ms. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Kamel, Secretary General of the UFM, and Ms. Messaoudi, Regional Lead of the MENA Coalition on youth, peace and security for the introductory remarks and for their insights on good practices of participation of young persons in the Mediterranean.

We welcome the focus of today’s discussion on the region of the Mediterranean – home of a large, diverse and dynamic youth population affected by climate-related risks.  The biggest wealth of the region, and thus its greatest potential to address the root causes of the challenges we are tackling, youth are our hope and commitment at the same time.

Mr. President,

Allow me to touch on three points in this regard:

First, when addressing security challenges that impact the lives of future generations the voices of youth are indispensable. Young persons must be part of the peace and security deliberations and decision-making processes on all levels. The intergenerational dialogue is essential. For many young persons, participation in local and national development policy processes and programs serves the dual purpose. It fosters opportunities for young people, and leverages their potential to drive innovation and economic growth, while simultaneously cultivating space for their political and civic engagement. Young persons can act as drivers for structural reforms and policy innovation.

We must aim to strengthen young persons’ participation in economic, cultural and political life, including in decision-making and electoral processes. Young persons need access to social protection and opportunities for their integration into labour markets. We must create an environment in which young persons can develop their potentials and realize their aspirations. This will strengthen Mediterranean’s resilience and its peaceful prosperity.

When speaking of empowering young persons, let me point out Slovenia-based Euro-Mediterranean University EMUNI, established within the Union for the Mediterranean. EMUNI’s growing potential as a higher education, research and innovation hub with its Mediterranean Youth Empowerment Foundation should be fully used for the benefit of the region’s youth. EMUNI Centres of knowledge and research in the Southern Mediterranean will further foster collaboration, partnerships and engagement initiatives across the region.

Second, youth-led, inclusive capacity building initiatives are excellent examples of how to promote the inclusion and meaningful participation of young persons in peace and security. We welcome the African-led initiatives aimed at giving young persons a say in democratic processes. We commend the role of the African Union in supporting and advocating for young persons’ leadership in conflict management and electoral processes.

Third, the principles of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda should guide us also in our endeavours to integrate youth in the Climate, Peace and Security Agenda. There is no inclusive and truly progressive climate action without full, effective and meaningful participation of young persons. The youth movements play an increasingly important role in the climate action. Their knowledge, creativity and competencies bring new perspectives to environmental peacebuilding initiatives in the region.

Slovenia is a Mediterranean country and shares the climate vulnerability of the region and its climate related security risks. Young persons are strongly affected by both climate and conflict but they are also extremely innovative in finding solutions for the climate, water and food security – all vital for regional stability and peace. The meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) showed the importance of youth leadership for a sustainable and peaceful region. Throughout our Presidency over the Barcelona Convention, Slovenia will support young persons as agents of regional marine protection, stability, sustainable development and peace.  

Mr. President,

The future belongs to the youth and they must have a voice in shaping it. To give our youth a future, free from war and fear, we must act now. Let’s start building a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future now, in the Mediterranean and elsewhere.

I thank you Mr. President.

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