Our organization will be hosting an official side event for the ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) Youth Forum. Please see the event overview below for details and registration information.

Event Background

Young people who are or have been involved in armed groups such as so-called violent extremist organizations are in a vulnerable position. Although they can play a vital role in peacebuilding, unlike children under 18, they are not covered by any international protection framework and face complex challenges.

In particular, they face serious challenges such as a lack of educational and empowerment opportunities. However, the existence of such young people is not adequately recognized or discussed in the policies of each country.

That is why we aim to bridge that gap and create international norms necessary for young people involved with non-state armed groups around the world to disengage from violence.

At this event, led by our Executive Director Yosuke Nagai, we will discuss the education and empowerment of young people involved in non-state armed groups, with government officials from Japan, Sierra Leone, and Colombia, peacebuilding experts, and former combatants.

This is a valuable event held under the auspices of the ECOSOC forum, one of the main bodies of the United Nations. Although it will be held late at night Japan time and conducted in English, we hope you will be able to participate if your schedule permits.

Event Information

▼Date and time: April 18, 2024 (Thursday) 2:30 a.m. to 3:45 a.m. (Japan time) ▼Format: Online event (Zoom webinar) *An archived recording will be available at a later date for those who register. ▼Participation eligibility: General public ▼Language: English