United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security was an enormous leap forward for the inclusion of young people in peace processes. While there has been progress since the Resolution’s passage in 2015, youth in many parts of the world are still relegated from contributing to peacebuilding in their countries.
To tackle this problem, our Rwanda team is pioneering two youth-led research projects that engage young people between the ages of 15 and 29. Youth-led research gives young people in post-conflict settings the research skills and confidence they need to engage in violence prevention and peacebuilding initiatives at the local and national level.
Ubufatanye Mu Miyoborere: Advancing Participatory Governance in Rwanda
As part of this three-year project funded by the European Union, young researchers conduct door-to-door interviews and focus group discussions on inclusive governance. They present their findings in restitution meetings that bring together youth-led research teams, women and youth national councils, local government authorities, and media outlets.
The meetings provide an opportunity for participants to take concrete actions, informed by research, towards improving collaboration between local leaders and youth. This work aims to change the mindset of government leaders towards more involvement of young citizens in local governance.
Promoting Fiscal Transparency in Rwanda
This three-year project, funded by the US Embassy in Rwanda, empowers young people to carry out research on the communities’ concerns around local governance, including budgeting and fiscal transparency. The research data will inform local planning for the next budget cycle, helping to make development processes more transparent and participatory.
This research exercise helps build the young researchers’ confidence and skills to engage government authorities, voice the needs and concerns of citizens, and advocate for improved budget practices and fiscal transparency.
