Youth Circle Dialogue

Persistent challenges such as social divisions, cultural misunderstandings, and conflicts continue to shape our diverse society. A notable absence of platforms for young individuals to engage in substantive conversations addressing these issues and supporting peacebuilding is evident. It is crucial to acknowledge that youth, not only of the present era but also of different generations, hold substantial potential to contribute to peacebuilding efforts and raise awareness about the complexities of peace intersections.

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The youth demographic represents a dynamic and vibrant segment of society, serving as agents of transformation and a source of inspiration. With a staggering 1.2 billion individuals aged 15 to 24, young people constitute roughly 16% of the global population. Notably, India boasts the largest youth population globally, with over 600 million individuals aged 15 to 29. As per the Technical Group on Population Projections' Report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, individuals aged 15 to 29 accounted for 27.2% of the population in 2021, a figure projected to decline to 22.7% by 2036, yet still encompassing a substantial 345 million individuals.

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This demographic has often been characterized both as vulnerable and needing a voice. Simultaneously, they are frequently sidelined from serious discussions, career trajectories and occasionally stereotyped as immature or disruptive. The societal placement of youth significantly influences their potential for leadership and their prospective role in peacebuilding. Additionally, the tension between different age groups has long been a defining aspect of intergenerational shifts involving control over power, resources, and influence.

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Many young peacebuilders we have engaged with, have expressed concerns about the inadequate representation of certain youth groups in peace processes. From their experiences, youth from diverse backgrounds, those in fields seemingly unrelated to peace, hard-to-reach youth, young women, and individuals associated with specific political orientations are frequently excluded from dialogues, despite their valuable insights and perspectives.

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The Youth Circle Dialogue (YCD) program, steered by GPF India's dedication to nurturing dialogue-centred peacebuilding, strives to provide young leaders with the knowledge, skills and viewpoints needed to foster social cohesion and shape a more harmonious society. Through this initiative, we aspire to cultivate a generation of change-makers who actively contribute to enduring peace and harmony in our multifaceted world. Youth Circle Dialogues serve as purpose-driven and engaging exchanges, uniting young individuals from varied backgrounds and generations to delve into the intersections of peace. These dialogues provide a platform to cultivate substantive conversations, promote attentive listening, foster collaborative efforts, and heighten awareness about the diverse factors influencing societal harmony.

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While various initiatives promote dialogue and peace, very few programs specifically cater to youth from all generations and backgrounds. Existing solutions often lack the focus on active listening and collaboration, essential elements for social cohesion and intersections of peace with every sector and field of society.

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The core objective of the Youth Circle Dialogue is to bridge these existing gaps by establishing a dedicated platform that encourages youth from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in purposeful conversations and providing a dedicated space for young minds to engage in meaningful discussions.

 

In one sentence, YCD is a structured series of interactive discussions that convene youths from diverse generations and backgrounds to explore intersections of peace.