The RYCO LBO Serbia in collaboration with the OSCE Mission to Serbia and Faculty of Political Sciences University of Belgrade organized a capacity building training program designed to empower students in writing and implementing projects focused on the Youth Peace and Security agenda. The result is four outstanding projects that can make a tangible impact on communities and contribute to the overall goals of peace, security, and development.
The Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda established by the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 in 2015 recognises the inclusion and participation of young people as a key dimension of building and sustaining peace and security for all. It called upon governments, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to work together to support youth’s active role in promoting peace and preventing violence. One of the strategic objectives of RYCO Strategy 2022-2024 is in line with and will promote the Youth Peace and Security Agenda through activities and mechanisms which will contribute to its broader goals, working towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future for young people in the region.
The capacity building training program comprised two essential workshops. The first workshop, held on 5th and 6th May in Belgrade, served as an introduction to the Youth Peace and Security agenda and provided students with valuable insights into RYCO’s and OSCE missions. The workshop also featured a dynamic Participation game developed in collaboration with the OSCE Mission to Serbia. Playing of this game was facilitated by Local Program Officer Ivana Markulić and encouraged active engagement and facilitated a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to youth participation in peace and security initiatives.
The second part of the capacity building training program took place from 26th to 28th May in Bajina Bašta, Serbia. This phase provided an invaluable opportunity for students to fine-tune their project proposals, which were developed during the month. Mentors from RYCO LBO SRB, the OSCE Mission to Serbia, and FPN together with the facilitator guided students through enriching sessions focused on project writing, risk management, resource planning, visibility, project budgeting, and sustainability. The mentors’ expertise and feedback further strengthened the students’ project ideas, enhancing their potential to create positive change in their communities.
It is important to note that this year marks the pilot phase of the cooperation between RYCO LBO SRB, the OSCE Mission to Serbia, and FPN Master’s studies in Peace, Security, and Development. The empowerment of students in matters of peace and security is a vital aspect of building sustainable, peaceful and inclusive societies.
