# Understanding the Youth, Peace, and Security Act of 2021

This bill is about getting young people more involved in solving conflicts and building peace around the world. Right now, young people make up a huge portion of the population in countries dealing with war and violence—sometimes more than half the population is under age 20—yet they're rarely asked to help solve these problems. This bill aims to change that by making it official U.S. policy to include young people (ages 18-30) in peacebuilding efforts and to fund programs that help them do this work.

The bill recognizes that young people have actually proven they can be effective at preventing violence, stopping conflicts from spreading, and helping communities recover after wars. Research shows that young people who participate in civic programs are less likely to support political violence. Yet they face real barriers: limited funding, lack of technical support, online harassment (especially girls), and shrinking space to organize safely. The bill also acknowledges that young women face unique dangers and that young men struggle with mental health issues and reintegration after conflict.

To make this happen, the bill creates a new coordinator position at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) who will oversee all U.S. government efforts related to youth, peace, and security. This coordinator will develop a comprehensive strategy, work with an advisory group that must include at least 30 percent youth and 50 percent women, and coordinate across multiple government agencies. The bill also establishes a "Youth, Peace, and Security Fund" that can provide grants and technical assistance directly to youth-led organizations working on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and recovery efforts. Additionally, the bill requires that youth be included in the design of peace programs, that governments be encouraged to set quotas for young people in peace negotiations, and that young peacebuilders receive protection from violence while doing their work.

Youth, Peace, and Security Act of 2021

Meng, Grace

Youth, Peace, and Security Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of State to coordinate the development and implementation of a whole-of-government strategy to promote the inclusive and meaningful participation of youth in peace building and conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as post-conflict and recovery efforts. The President must appoint a coordinator who, in addition to being responsible for leading the implementation of such strategy, is authorized to provide grants, emergency assistance, and technical assistance to eligible youth-led civil society organizations and youth peace-building implementers. The bill also authorizes the President to provide development assistance to expand training, technical assistance, and grants managed and controlled by youth leaders.