On 8 June 2026, the Women, Peace and Security Network-Canada (WPSN-C), Sustainable Cooperation for Peace & Security (SCPS), and UN Women Italy convened Bridging Generations for Sustainable Peace as a side event in preparation for the Eighth Capital-Level Meeting of the WPS Focal Points Network in Rome, hosted by the Governments of Italy and the Philippines. The event brought together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and civil society leaders from across generations to explore how the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas can be advanced in a more coherent and mutually reinforcing manner.
The discussion highlighted opportunities and challenges in strengthening synergies between WPS and YPS, lessons emerging from National Action Plan processes, and practical approaches to supporting meaningful participation, intergenerational leadership, and shared decision-making. Speakers emphasized the importance of moving beyond consultation toward genuine partnership with young people and young women, while recognizing youth activists and peacebuilders as legitimate political actors and knowledge producers.
Following the event, WPSN-C, SCPS, and UN Women Italy published an event report capturing the key discussions, reflections, and recommendations that emerged from this dialogue. Drawing on the perspectives of government representatives, UN officials, academics, and civil society leaders, the report explores how stronger collaboration between the WPS and YPS agendas can advance more inclusive, intergenerational, and sustainable approaches to peacebuilding. It also highlights practical recommendations on strengthening meaningful participation, aligning National Action Plans, investing in women- and youth-led organizations, and fostering partnerships across sectors and generations.
English