On December 9, 2015, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2250. This is the first resolution that deals with the role of young people on issues of peace and security. This global policy framework was and is still being celebrated by the youth across the globe, because it recognises the actual potentials of youth in conflict and post-conflict reconstruction.

This resolution was adopted because the world realised that it cannot build sustainable peace without the involvement of youth, protecting their lives, meaningfully engaging and empowering them on issues of peace and security. This resolution gives recognition and legitimacy to the several works being done by the youth at local, state and national levels, towards building lasting peace.

The importance of this resolution cannot be over-emphasised, putting into consideration the fact that the world is currently experiencing a wave of youth bulge: there is an increasing population of youth when compared with other age groups. In Nigeria, for example, an estimated 70 per cent of her population is under the age of 35. Given this demographic advantage, it is only imperative that the youth are involved and included in decision-making and peace-building.

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 225O has five main components, which mandates governments to increase the participation of young people in decision-making institutions at local, state and national levels; ensure the protection of youth and civilians during conflict and in post conflict settings; support youth by creating conducive atmosphere so as to allow them implement violent prevention and peace-building activities; establish and strengthen partnerships with relevant actors by engaging and empowering them on issues of countering violent extremism, social cohesion and inclusion and, lastly, that government should disengage youth from taking violent actions through the provision of job opportunities, education, capacity-building and trainings, civic engagement programmes and take possible actions to support the ideas and aspirations of young persons.

All member-states of the United Nations, including Nigeria, have been mandated to implement and domesticate the contents of this resolution at local, state and national levels.

The United Nations has done her part by adopting this resolution; it now lies on the youth across Nigeria to ensure that it is acted upon. They must demand the domestication and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 from their leaders at local, state and national governments. Both lawmakers and policy-makers must be lobbied on the importance and need to implement this resolution in Nigeria. All youth must join in spreading this word. Let people know about the existence of this resolution, what it says and why it is important to young people.

•Adeniran is the National Coordinator, Nigeria Youth for Peace Initiative, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State.

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