Leading Efforts on Youth, Peace and Security

Finland works for the active participation of young people in peace efforts. In 2021, Finland became the first country to publish a National Action Plan on UN Security Council resolution on Youth, Peace and Security, co-designed with young people and youth organisations. This was followed by a second plan in 2025.

Concrete partnerships with youth are central to Finland’s approach. Government-supported youth networks, such as the Finnish Agenda 2030 Youth Group and the 2250 network, work closely with ministries to bring youth perspectives into policymaking. The long-standing UN Youth Delegate Programme enables young Finns to participate in international negotiations as part of official delegations and provides opportunities for intergenerational dialogue.

Finland also advances the YPS agenda globally and within the UN. It has supported YPS initiatives in countries such as Kenya and Nigeria, shares best practices on National Action Plans with partners, and promotes further integration of YPS agenda into UN structures. As co-chair of the Group of Champions of YPS, Finland promotes stronger political commitment and ensures that youth voices are reflected in international decision-making.

Finland advocates strongly for more inclusive peace processes, emphasizing that meaningful youth participation leads to more sustainable outcomes. Together with South Africa, Finland runs a youth peace mediator mentoring programme that equips young leaders with practical skills in mediation and conflict resolution. Finland has also supported UN High Level Conferences on youth inclusive peace processes together with Colombia and Qatar.

For Finland, supporting the YPS agenda is both a value-driven and strategic choice: empowering youth strengthens democratic societies, prevents conflict, and builds lasting peace.