From October 28 to 30, 2024, Shayne Wong, Internal Engagement Chair of the Canadian Coalition for Youth, Peace & Security (CCYPS), participated in the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security (ICWPS) in Manila, Philippines. With over 700 participants, including representatives from governments, the UN, civil society organizations (CSOs), and academia, the conference became a crossroads of ideas, discussions, and visions for the future of peace and security. This opportunity for CCYPS was made possible through an invitation from UN Women Philippines and sponsorship by Global Affairs Canada, underscoring the importance of YPS contributions to global peacebuilding dialogues.
Breaking Barriers: Intersectional Insights from Day One
The conference opened with a series of high-level sessions, where the spotlight was on intersectionality in peace and security. Speakers emphasized the importance of including voices from Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and youth to ensure inclusive WPS policies.
During her intervention, Shayne Wong underscored the power of WPS-YPS collaborations in shaping National Action Plans (NAPs). She stated, “By integrating young voices, we not only amplify participation but also foster resilience and innovation in peace processes.” Influenced by her research and advocacy work in Southeast Asia and North America, her insights highlighted how embracing the multifaceted identities of youth can lead to more sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Shayne pointed out that young people often bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to peacebuilding, making their inclusion not just beneficial but essential for long-term peace and stability.
Leave No One Behind: Inclusive Peacebuilding in Action
A standout moment was the side event, Leave No One Behind in the WPS Agenda, co-hosted by UN Women, UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Canada. This session explored the necessity of embedding the voices of marginalized groups— such as Indigenous, living with disabilities, and youth—in peacebuilding efforts.
Shayne advocated for moving beyond the symbolic inclusion of youth, calling for their meaningful involvement in all stages of policy development and execution. She stated, “It is not simply bringing more seats to the table but dismantling that table and rebuilding it in collaboration with the most marginalised communities, including young people so we ensure that all voices are being included and we are truly leaving no one behind.” Pointing at Canada’s CNAP as a step in the right direction, she urged for broader application of youth inclusion across all facets of Canada’s feminist foreign policy. She also emphasized the importance of sustained support for youth-led initiatives, arguing that young people should not only be involved in policy discussions but also supported to implement and lead programs that reflect their realities and needs.
Looking Ahead: Inclusion as the Pathway to Progress
In the panel’s closing moments, Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines, H. E. David Hartman, delivered a powerful message: “Inclusion is integral to progress.” His statement reaffirmed the panel’s call to action—ensuring young voices are not just heard but actively shape the future of peace and security. As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to fostering inclusive peace processes that leverage the unique contributions of all stakeholders, particularly youth. Shayne’s participation underscored CCYPS’s ongoing dedication to promoting meaningful youth involvement in global peace and security fora.
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