The Rising Tide of Youth in Peacebuilding: Nila Ibrahimi and the Fight for Afghanistan‘s Girls
The pursuit of lasting peace and security is increasingly recognizing a critical, often overlooked, force: young people. Representing roughly half the global population, this generation possesses the greatest stake in our collective future, yet frequently finds itself excluded from the decision-making processes that shape it. This reality is slowly changing, spurred by initiatives like UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which formally acknowledges young people as active and vital partners in maintaining and promoting international peace.
This shift is powerfully exemplified by the story of Nila Ibrahimi, a young Afghan activist who embodies resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity. In 2021, following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Ibrahimi and her family were compelled to flee thier homeland. Having already established herself as a vocal advocate for women’s rights – notably leading a successful campaign at the age of thirteen to overturn a government ban on girls singing in public – she understood the inherent risks posed by the new regime.
Now residing in canada,Ibrahimi has not paused her activism. She founded HerStory, an association dedicated to documenting the experiences of girls both within Afghanistan and throughout the diaspora. “I do my best to tell the stories of girls who have been banned from going to school,” she explains. “I was able to graduate, but my friends are still stuck in the ninth grade. It’s emotional work, but I think that if it motivates just one person to do something, then I think that I have done enough.”
Recognizing Youth as Partners in Peace
Ibrahimi shared her experiences at a UN event on December 15th, commemorating the tenth anniversary of Security Council Resolution 2250. The resolution’s adoption has spurred a wave of initiatives globally, integrating its recommendations into national and local action plans. Several nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, and Honduras, have developed Youth, Peace & Security (YPS) action plans. The African Union also hosted a continent-wide dialog on YPS,resulting in a significant Summary Declaration. Currently, eleven countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and europe have enacted YPS action plans aligned with resolution 2250.
Sadly, Afghanistan remains absent from this growing list. Despite this challenging context, Ibrahimi remains resolute in her commitment to advocating for women’s rights. She found the recent UN conference to be a source of inspiration and learning. “It really struck me…that I’m in the same room as some people who I would never have had the chance to meet and learn about the ways that they have implemented strategies to empower youth in their countries,” she reflects. “Just being in their presence has been a big privilege and opportunity to not just talk about my own story and raise the voices of Afghan women but also learn from others.”
The Act Now campaign and Peace Circles
The December 15th events culminated in a Peace Circle, a key component of the UN’s “Act Now” campaign. This initiative fosters informal dialogues on peace-related topics,encompassing areas like education,gender equality,climate change,and technology. A core principle of Peace Circles is inclusivity: at least half of the participants must be under 30, with a intentional focus on engaging young people who are traditionally excluded from such forums.
These dialogues, and the broader recognition of youth’s role in peacebuilding, represent a crucial step towards a more just and lasting future. As Nila Ibrahimi’s story demonstrates, empowering young leaders
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