In celebration of ten years of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth , Peace and Security (YPS), a new regional storytelling initiative—10×10 YPS Impact Stories—has been launched to spotlight the work of young peacebuilders who are transforming their communities across Africa.
This initiative is a collaborative effort by UNFPA, UNDP, the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY), and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). Together, they are calling for submissions from young leaders across West, Central, East, and Southern Africa to feature in a commemorative publication that highlights a decade of youth-led peacebuilding efforts and looks ahead to the future.
What is the 10×10 YPS Stories Initiative?
The 10×10 YPS Stories campaign will feature:
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10 “Pioneers” who have played instrumental roles in advancing the YPS agenda since its inception.
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10 “Fresh Voices”—young leaders currently making waves in peacebuilding work.
These stories will represent diverse approaches and successes within the five pillars of the YPS agenda:
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Participation – how young people engage in decision-making and political processes
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Protection – ensuring the safety of youth during conflict and crisis
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Prevention – youth-led efforts to prevent violence and conflict
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Partnership – collaboration with governments, civil society, and multilateral bodies
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Disengagement and Reintegration – supporting youth exiting cycles of violence
Why This Matters
Since the adoption of UNSCR 2250 in 2015, young people have increasingly been recognized as critical actors in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community healing. However, their work often goes undocumented, undervalued, or underfunded. This initiative seeks to correct that by bringing visibility and validation to their contributions.
By showcasing 20 powerful, real-world stories, the project aims to:
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Illustrate how young people have impacted peace processes locally and regionally
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Reflect on the influence of UNSCR 2250 on youth-led action
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Offer policy and community leaders new insights into the value of meaningful youth engagement
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Provide a platform for young peacebuilders to share their vision for the next ten years of YPS
Who Can Submit?
The initiative welcomes submissions from youth across Africa who are actively involved in peacebuilding. Whether through art, activism, social media, education, interfaith dialogue, or grassroots organizing, your story can help inspire others and show the world what youth-led peace really looks like.
If you’ve made an impact in your community by:
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Promoting social cohesion
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Countering violent extremism
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Facilitating community dialogue
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Supporting displaced populations or former combatants
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Using creative expression to promote peace
…then this is your opportunity to shine.
What Will Be Produced?
The selected stories will be compiled into a high-quality, accessible product, which could include:
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A digital publication
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Multimedia features (videos, photos, interviews)
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A dedicated website to host the stories
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Social media campaigns to extend the stories’ reach globally
How to Apply
Interested youth peacebuilders can submit their stories online by filling the form
Final Note
The 10×10 YPS Stories campaign is more than a reflection—it’s a call to action. It celebrates youth leadership, reaffirms the importance of youth inclusion in peace and security, and sets the stage for deeper collaboration over the next decade.
So if you’re a young changemaker in Africa shaping peace your own way—this is your spotlight moment.
Let the world hear your story.
For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.
