Armed conflicts are rising again around the world, reversing decades of progress toward peace. Today, more than two billion people live in areas affected by conflict, with deep impacts on education, livelihoods, and human security. From Europe to the Middle East, the Sahel to parts of Asia, young people are witnessing how wars, polarization, and disinformation shape daily life and future possibilities.
This UN at Your Doorstep dialogue brings together distinguished speakers and youth leaders to explore the root causes and consequences of conflict and insecurity, reflect on the importance of justice and human rights, and imagine pathways toward more peaceful and inclusive societies. The conversation will also highlight how young people are already driving action in their communities, and how education, dialogue, and systems thinking can support peacebuilding.
The event will feature two short discussion rounds, interactive youth-led questions, and live audience polling. Participants are invited to stay afterward for a 20-minute informal peer exchange to connect with young people from across the world. This session is organized by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Global Schools Program in collaboration with Compass Education, the Foundation for Environmental Education's Young Reporters and the Learning Planet Institute and will serve as the closing session of the Learning Planet Festival 2026.
This session is open to educators, students, youth networks, and anyone interested in peace, human rights, and global citizenship education. We hope you will join us to listen, learn, and act for a more peaceful world.
To kickstart this dialogue, we're offering a Learning Resource on Peace & Security. Jointly designed with Compass Education for educators and learners, the resource dives deep into how peace, justice, and human rights are intertwined, the root causes of violence, and actions we can take in our communities to create change.
What’s Inside?
Real-world examples & short readings
Infographics & reflective questions
Tools for dialogue & critical thinking
Systems thinking to connect local, national, and global issues