** Butembo: Young people at the heart of United Nations Resolution 2250 – one step towards sustainable peace **
On February 26, 2025, the city of Butembo, in North Kivu, vibrated to the rhythm of the aspirations of young people committed to peace and security. The workshop organized by the Urban Youth Council, in collaboration with the Action Action Aid for Peace Action (AAP) and other partners, was an essential awareness platform on United Nations resolution 2250, a crucial instrument to integrate youth into the peace processes around the world.
Resolution 2250, adopted in 2015, is based on five pillars: the right of young people to participate in all peace and security initiatives, their role as an agents of change, the need for the protection of young people during conflict, the importance of increased cooperation between young people and political decision -makers, and the call to include youth prospects in local and national strategies. This framework has found a particular relevance in the context of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where armed conflicts and violence persist, often fueled by the exclusion of youth of the decisions that concern them.
### The need for a local approach to peace
Gilbert Bwambale Nyime, representative of the urban authority, stressed that “peace is a synonym of development”, affirming the importance of young people’s commitment to the construction of their community future. Indeed, in a country where around 60 % of the population is under 25, it is imperative that this age group is integrated into decision -making processes. The participation of young people is not only a question of social justice, but also a vector of strengthening peace. Studies indicate that companies with a strong participation in young people in peace discussions tend to have better stability results.
### A necessary but late learning
The workshop revealed a disturbing paradox: many young participants even ignored the existence of the 2250 resolution before this event. Jean-Pierre Kasma, of the Citizen Movement Fight for Change (Lucha), expressed the collective surprise felt in the face of this lack of knowledge. This raises a broader question about access to civic education and awareness of international instruments among civil society actors in the DRC. To move forward, it would be beneficial to initiate regular training and awareness programs, in order to equip young people with knowledge that will allow them not only to become actors of peace, but also socio-economic development agents.
### Young people as a peace relay
Jean Ishara of the AAP has highlighted the capital importance that young people in the decision -making bodies. Indeed, resolution 2250 is not limited to a simple speaking, but calls for a proactive and constructive commitment. Young people must be seen as key partners in the implementation of sustainable peace solutions. As an example, similar movements in other countries, such as young people in South Africa or Rwanda, have shown that young people’s commitment in peace processes has resulted in tangible positive results in reconciliation and national reconstruction.
### A call to action
For this movement to include young people in matters of peace is not just a simple punctual event, several tracks could be explored. A better connection between youth organizations and government institutions could make it possible to establish a continuous, truly inclusive and democratic dialogue. In addition, an alliance between local initiatives and international organizations would be essential to create synergies, thus providing material and technical support to young people engaged in peace.
The Butembo workshop posted a glimmer of hope, but it is up to each young participant to translate this verbal commitment into concrete and sustainable actions. The road to a real peace in the DRC is long and strewn with pitfalls, but with an enlightened and committed youth, the chances of success are considerably increased. Peace is not an option, but a vital necessity for the future of Butembo and the whole Congolese nation.