International Youth Peace Forum

3rd and 4th of May 2024, Paris

Let's meet in Milan for the second edition

The International Youth Forum for Peace - Paris Olympics 2024 is an event supported by the City of Paris and the European Union, which brings together young people from all over the world to discuss, share ideas and develop innovative solutions to promote world peace and foster links between individuals and peoples, in the spirit of and as an extension of the associated multilateral organizations.

Through debates, interactive workshops and networking sessions, the forum seeks to inspire young people to play an active role in building a peaceful and sustainable future. This will be followed by long-term support for the concrete implementation of the most successful and promising proposals. All the proposals gathered and adopted will be officially presented to the responsible bodies of the United Nations Organization, and the Member States concerned. For this inaugural edition, in the emblematic setting of Paris, City of Peace, and the unique context of the first Olympic Games of the decade to be held in Europe, the International Youth Forum for Peace is focusing on the theme: "Youth United for Peace: Responding to Global Tensions and Combating Extremism and Political Violence".

Any participant wishing to make a contribution on the themes of better understanding between peoples and listening to the aspirations of the world's youth is welcome.

Selection, particularly for scholarships providing full or partial funding for participation, will be based on the primary criterion of motivation and ability to make a positive contribution to the event, with secondary criteria of originality of vision, academic excellence and personal commitments.

OLYMPICS 24 AND THE INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK

Global geopolitical tensions have escalated in recent years, creating an urgent need to promote dialogue and understanding between young people from different nations. The Olympic period is traditionally dedicated to this ideal of peace. Challenges such as climate crises, global pandemics, inequality and radicalization, as well as the resurgence of high-intensity conflicts, call for increased international cooperation, placing youth empowerment at the center of concerns. The International Youth Forum for Peace therefore underlines the urgent need to mobilize the world's youth to help solve global challenges.

The work of the International Youth Forum for Peace - PARIS 2024 Olympic Games focuses on these 6 areas (listed below)

Objective 1:

Mechanisms for facilitating intercultural and interfaith dialogue among young people in crisis zones.

Objective 2:

Encouraging mutual understanding and respect for differences, in line with human rights.

Objective 5:

Creation of a global network of young leaders committed to peace and the fight against extremism and political violence.

Objective 3:

Young people's identification of global challenges to peace - Proposing innovative solutions.

Objective 4:

Contributions to governments and international institutions, civic engagement and social participation of young people.

Objective 6:

Taking environmental issues into account, pursuing sustainable growth and preserving social and economic rights.

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Forum topics - IYFP

The International Youth Forum for Peace - JO PARIS 24 will pay particular attention to contemporary global conflicts, while focusing on the value and potential of young people's participation in decision-making and the handling of contemporary global challenges, in particular climate and social issues.

All the conflict situations examined will be approached in an unbiased manner, based on recognized sources, current international law and the existing international consensus on the subject, without taking sides beyond the positions of recognized multilateral bodies. The ultimate aim of this event is to encourage mutual understanding, cooperation and the search for peaceful solutions to contemporary global challenges.

The main objective of the Forum is to promote closer ties between peoples, through the young public, sustainable development, is understood and joins the principles, and in particular the Creative, social, economic and human rights, as defined in the Charter of the United Nations 1946, and Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, as completed in the successive texts, and the objectives of sustainable development in force.

The terms "breach of the peace", "extremism" and "incitement to and use of political violence" have the same meaning as in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the lists drawn up by the Sanctions Committee and the findings of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and other specialized courts that have handed down judgments on the subject.

The impact of economic inequality on global conflict.

This topic explores how economic inequalities between nations and within societies can trigger conflict, heightening tensions and creating discontent. It examines how unequal distribution of resources and opportunities can contribute to global instability and violence.

Education as a means of preventing conflict and promoting peace.

This module examines the crucial role of education in preventing conflict and building peaceful societies. It explains how an inclusive and equitable education, focused on peaceful conflict resolution, can help promote tolerance, empathy and intercultural dialogue.

The climate emergency as a catalyst for conflict and migration.

This theme explores the link between climate change, armed conflict and population displacement. It highlights how growing environmental pressures can exacerbate existing conflicts and lead to mass displacement, and underlines the importance of taking action to mitigate these effects and promote regional stability.

Respect for international law, social, economic and human rights, and sustainable development in the construction of peaceful societies.

This theme underlines the importance of international law as an essential foundation for building peaceful and sustainable societies. We also address the subject of social justice and how the fight against inequality, discrimination and injustice can foster social cohesion, mutual trust and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Global solutions: the role and participation of women, minorities and other groups at risk of discrimination.

Integrating minorities and women's issues into conflict management brings valuable added value to the process of conflict prevention and resolution. This theme underlines the importance of ensuring the representation and meaningful participation of minorities in conflict resolution processes. It explores how the inclusion of minority voices and perspectives can help build more peaceful and inclusive societies.

The role of social media in spreading hatred and conflict. Youth views on cybersecurity, fake news and the online fight against appeals and movements practicing political violence.

This theme examines how social media platforms can be used to spread misinformation, hatred and extremism, thereby amplifying conflict and social tension. Regulating online discourse and promoting a healthier, more inclusive media environment are major challenges.

Youth civic engagement:

This theme highlights the crucial role of young people as key players in resolving global conflicts. It explores how young people can bring innovative, creative and inclusive perspectives to tackling global challenges, promoting peace and building a more harmonious and sustainable future. These proposals should be proposed and presented by the young people as the final point of the FORUM and as a starting point for the final report.

Sport as peace mediator

This theme explores how sport can act as a catalyst to promote peace, reconciliation and cooperation between individuals and communities. It highlights sporting initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue.

WORKGROUPS

The work of the International Youth Forum for Peace - Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be organized as follows:

Plenary sessions led by international experts.
Interactive debates between young participants and VIPs.
Themed workshops to encourage collaboration and creativity between young people.
Networking sessions to encourage NGO-CSO partnerships and decision-makers.
Exhibitions of projects and initiatives for peace carried out by young people in their own countries.
Exhibition of non-commercial activities by Forum partners.

RESULTS

A final report will be published, summarizing the forum's discussions and recommendations. Concrete initiatives will be encouraged, and an online network will be maintained to ensure ongoing collaboration between participants. The members of the International Youth Forum for Peace's organizing committee consortium will take the various pleas to the international bodies to which they belong or have diplomatic influence.

Read and download the results here

PARTICIPATION

The International Youth Forum for Peace is an inclusive event open to young people from all over the world, without discrimination of any kind.

Our teams will support the various participants in the preparatory phases, identifying, writing and submitting project proposals. Research projects and peace initiatives already underway can be presented at the forum. The best will be selected for plenary presentations.

REGISTRATIONS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1WHO CAN REGISTER FOR THE FORUM?

Participation in the International Youth Forum for Peace - Paris 2024 is open to young people from all over the world, without discrimination of any kind.

2DOES THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE SUPPORT CANDIDATES?

Yes, each registration will be subject to a profile study before validation. Unilateral decisions may be taken to fund the project in full, in part, or simply to accept participation without funding, based on geographical and social remoteness and the merits of the application.

3WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL CANDIDATES RECEIVE?

Successful candidates will be supported according to their profile on three levels: -Fully funded participation (Visa assistance + plane ticket + mobility & hospitality in Paris) -Partial participation (Visa assistance + mobility & hospitality in Paris) -Non-funded participation (visa assistance)

4HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND THE FORUM?

The forum will welcome 300 participants from a cross-section of UN member and observer states.

5WILL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES BE ACCOMPANIED FOR VISA APPLICATIONS AND LOGISTICS?

Yes, a special team is on hand to help with visas, flights and accommodation in Paris.

6DOES THE FORUM HAVE A SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH AN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE?

Yes, the French airline AIR FRANCE is the official carrier of the International Youth Peace Forum. To this end, preferential rates are available for funded or non-funded participants.

7WHEN CAN I REGISTER FOR THE FORUM?

Registration for the International Youth Peace Forum - JO PARIS 2024 opens on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm Paris time.

8WHEN DO FORUM REGISTRATIONS CLOSE?

Registration for the International Youth Peace Forum - JO PARIS 2024 closes on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00 pm Paris time.

OUR PARTNERS

The International Youth Peace Forum - JO PARIS 2024 is an initiative of the Collectif pour un Service Civique Européen. It is supervised by Mr Benjamin SIBILLE, Director and Founder of the association.

This international youth event is a special program funded by the European Union and supported by the City of Paris.

General coordination of the Forum is provided by the European Coordination System. Special partners include the Youth Organization for the European and African Union, AIR FRANCE and the Mairie du 16ème arrondissement.