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Young people are often asked what they want to be when they grow up.
But for children and young people affected by conflict, the future can feel uncertain. Whether they are living through violence or dealing with its long-term effects, many are denied opportunities to learn, grow and shape the world around them.
Ata Ullah, a Theirworld Global Youth Ambassador and Rohingya refugee, grew up in Cox’s Bazar – the world’s largest refugee camp – without access to formal education.
He said: “Ask children what they hope to become and the answers spill out: doctor, teacher, engineer, nurse, social worker, lawyer, translator, journalist, coder, football coach, diplomat. They want to heal and build, to represent and protect. Yet the bridge from aspiration to ability is missing planks.”
Ata describes not only the barriers young people face when conflict disrupts education, but also the risks that can follow. Children may be pushed into work, girls can become more vulnerable to child marriage, and young people can be exposed to exploitation and recruitment by criminal or extremist groups.
Wesley Markus Kette, a Theirworld Global Youth Ambassador from Nigeria, was displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency when he was 12 years old.
He said: “Living through an ongoing crisis showed me how active conflict can deprive children and young people of stability, safety and opportunity. I believe that young people are among the most affected by crises around the world.”
Today, one in five children lives in a conflict-affected area.
The experiences of Ata, Wesley and other Global Youth Ambassadors reflect a wider reality. Child labour rates are significantly higher in countries affected by armed conflict than the global average, while conflict can also increase the risk of child marriage.
The impact can last for generations. Research has found a strong link between low levels of education and a greater risk of conflict, highlighting the role education can play in building more peaceful societies.
Despite the important role young people can play in peacebuilding, they are often excluded from decision-making. A 2023 review by the United States Institute of Peace found that few opportunities exist for young people to participate meaningfully in leadership and peacebuilding processes.
Education does more than help young people recover from conflict. It can help them shape what comes next.
Strong education systems help build societies that are more resilient and less vulnerable to instability and extremism. Yet education’s role in peacebuilding – and young people’s role in leading change – is too often overlooked.
To help address this gap, 10 Theirworld Global Youth Ambassadors have been selected to take part in an accelerated programme designed to support youth-led peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
Through mentorship, leadership development and financial support, participants will use education as a tool for peace, resilience and community action.
Alongside these pilot projects, hundreds of young people from around the world will contribute to a global consultation exploring the role they can play in building peace and the barriers they face in doing so.
Together, the youth-led projects and consultation will inform a report for policymakers, partners and global leaders, creating a blueprint for how young people can help shape education, peace and security efforts at local, national and global levels.
Wesley, who has been selected for the programme, said:
“Living through a protracted crisis showed me how active conflict can deprive children and young people of stability, safety and opportunity.
“Education gives young people living through uncertainty hope. It equips them with the skills to think beyond violence and division and empowers them to imagine more peaceful futures.
“I believe that young people are among the most affected by crises around the world, but also among the best placed to drive positive change when given the right tools and support.”
If you would like to learn more about supporting this youth-led initiative, or other projects helping young people shape a more peaceful future, please contact:
This work is made possible through the generous support of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation.
