The International Federation of Social Workers welcomes the Call by Young People for a New Culture of Peace, developed through a youth-led consultation within UNESCO’s reflection on its future mandate. Bringing together the perspectives of 145 young leaders from 135 countries, the Call urges meaningful youth participation in decision-making and collective action to address the inequalities, divisions and crises that undermine peace.
The Call recognises that lasting peace requires action on structural violence, discrimination, displacement and ecological crises. Its recommendations span education, culture, access to scientific knowledge, reliable information and the ethical governance of artificial intelligence. Across these areas, it calls for young people to have meaningful influence over decisions, supported by resources and transparent reporting on the actions taken.
The Call was shared through the Co-building a New Eco-Social World movement by the UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Education, Languages and the Arts at the University of Glasgow, a partner in the movement. Co-facilitated by IFSW and the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, this diverse partnership brings together organisations, communities and movements to advance social justice, ecological sustainability and human rights. Its People’s Charter places people’s participation and influence at the centre of change—commitments strongly reflected in the young people’s Call.
Dr Pascal Rudin, IFSW Secretary-General, said:
“This Call challenges institutions to share decision-making power with young people and account for what changes as a result. Social workers can help turn that ambition into practice by supporting youth-led initiatives, challenging exclusion and creating opportunities for young people to influence services and policies. Particular attention must go to those whose participation is constrained by poverty, discrimination, displacement or conflict.”
Eva Ponce de Leon, IFSW President, said:
“Peace grows when people can live with dignity, participate in their communities and shape the decisions that affect them. Young people are already contributing to that work through their leadership, creativity and solidarity. Their Call speaks directly to our shared commitment to an eco-social world in which justice, care for the planet and relationships across generations form the foundations of our common future.”
IFSW joins UNESCO’s call for wide dissemination and encourages its member organisations to explore the recommendations with young people in their communities. As the young authors emphasise: “These recommendations will only matter if they are followed through with and by youth.”