Colombia Presents Its First National Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan
May 29, 2026 | Youth · Peace · Human Rights
Colombia has presented its first National Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan, becoming the first country in the Americas to adopt a comprehensive strategy in this area. The Plan seeks to strengthen the role of young people in peacebuilding, human security, democracy, and social transformation.
The initiative was developed between 2024 and 2026 through a broad participatory process led by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Equality and Equity, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Colombia. More than 750 young people representing 154 youth organizations from different regions of the country participated in the process, alongside more than 30 national government institutions.
The process incorporated the perspectives of Indigenous and ethnic youth, rural and urban youth, young women, young people with disabilities, young people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and Colombians living abroad.
The Plan recognizes young people as key actors in peacebuilding, rather than simply as beneficiaries of public policies. Its implementation provides opportunities to strengthen youth participation, leadership, and advocacy at the local and national levels.
For youth organizations such as RJDH, the initiative represents an important step toward consolidating a national agenda that connects youth, human rights, participation, peace, and territorial transformation.
