Since the global security debate in 2015 when the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted the Security Council Resolution 2250 (UNSCR 2250) on Youth Peace and Security (YPS), youth voices in peace and security have been increasingly recognised and documented, although not sufficiently (United Nations or UN, 2020). In view of that, there has been a lack of youth representation in international organisations and decision-making bodies, with youth between ages (15-24) making up 16% of the global population but only holding 1% of seats in national parliaments( United Nations or UN 2023). The development of YPS within the international system occurs parallel to the development of youth involvement in BRICS-related matters. BRICS cooperation operates as an international bloc that seeks to further economic collaboration amongst members whilst improving their political standing globally. BRICS was initially made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which joined in 2010, since then BRICS has expanded its membership with six additional member states being; Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Since the establishment of BRICS – young people across all BRICS member states have advocated for youth involvement within the bloc’s councils and policy-making committees (Panova, 2015). The 2250 resolution incites UN member states to elevate youth voices and ensure the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes whilst emphasising the importance of inclusive environments for peacebuilding through economic, social, and development systems. However, despite this policy and the resulting adoption, there has been unsatisfactory youth participation within policy-making councils and in economic activities within the BRICS bloc and across the globe, more specifically in Africa’s developing states.
Despite the historical contributions of the African youth in realising peace and security within the region, the African youth are still increasingly labelled as the perpetrators of violence and have continuously been viewed as a destructive population. Equally, this stereotypical thinking of the youth has created a gap between the youth and their governments, resulting in youths’ contributions to security issues that are not sufficiently documented – thereby making it difficult for the youth to effectively participate in YPS and policy-making processes, despite making over 400 million of Africa’s total population. Therefore, the lack of understanding and recognition of young people’s role within YPS contributes to and expands, the intergenerational divide, resulting in ineffective policies.
The now BRICS+ alliance (post the 5th Annual BRICS Summit in 2023) holds a significant youth population, therefore engaging the youth in peace and security will harness economic, social, and technological advancement. According to the World Alliance (2022), young people have the potential to generate a desirable new world order through the creative use of technology, which allows for unlimited possibilities of connections and provides solutions to tackle peace and security. Furthermore, given its diversity in many forms, the BRICS+alliance can feature youth representation in shaping the alliance to embrace diversity and youthful voices in decision-making processes, leading to more inclusive solutions.
It is important to address deeper issues affecting the BRICS+ youth, particularly youth unemployment, which ranges from a low of 4.3% in Russia to a high of 32.9% in South Africa (International Labour Organization, 2024). Moreover, young people have limited economic empowerment as they constantly face perpetual difficultieswith securing stable employment and/or venturing into entrepreneurship. A feeling of political isolation, a lack of economic development, and disparity undermine the degree to which youth can aid in shaping their future and the prospects of more comprehensive and non-violent societies worldwide (World Economic Forum or WEF, 2022).
Overall, to maximise youth participation that shapes YPS within the BRICS+ framework, capacity-building programmes for young peacebuilders need to be prioritised whilst increasing youth delegations and representatives in peace negotiations, policy-making processes, and diplomatic arrangements. Advocated by the WEF (2022), societies must create podiums and paths that give youth a voice and an opportunity to pursue and have a tangible share in formulating the policies that will impact their future.
Sources:
https://www.youth4peace.info/UNSCR2250/Introduction
https://www.un.org/peacebuilding/policy-issues-and-partnerships/policy/youth
https://iorj.hse.ru/2015/10/07/1077708097/Panova.pdf
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