2019/Georgian Group about Youth and Peace
Interview of the Georgian Group after the Training Course in Armenia "Youth and Peace" 2019
WHY YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE A ROLL TO PLAY IN PROMOTING PEACEBUILDING?
Teo Sadradze: Young people are the biggest power. They are the ones who have the future in their hands and the special light which shines in their hearts and eyes. Nowadays youth is tired of political games, wars,etc. All their are chasing is Peace, education and adventure and it motivates them to play the main role in peace-building.
Davit Vasadze: "Have confidence in the young people, give them a chance and they will surprise you" - Koffi Annan. Young people always assosiated with young and fresh blood. They have another point of view about everything. Adults may look at problem with one side, but youth also can look at problem from another side. When you are peacemaker, you should be able to look at conflict from all side. And young peacemakers are able to look at conflict from all sides.they can also to think many solutions to problem. Who knows there are chance that they will surprise you as Koffi Annan said.
HOW CAN YOUTH PROMOTE PEACE AND PREVENT CONFLICTS IN THEIR COMMUNITY?
Teo Sadradze: There is lack of dialogue. Young peoples voices should be heard by authorities and they should be given the chance to figure the ways out to prevent conflicts. The main key to my opinion is awareness, education and dialogue.
Davit Vasadze: How to solve a problem between two persons. You will need information about them, who they are,what they want from each other and so on. Youth is a future of community. If in comunity is a some conflict, young people always can help you to solve it. Because they know many thing about community. They always would have some ideas, at least it's their interests to end conflict.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOUNG PEOPLE FACE AS PEACEBUILDERS IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND AT EU LEVEL? PLEASE GIVE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCAL AND EUROPEAN POLICY MAKERS.
Teo Sadradze: Young people are facing a lot of challenges. One of the main challenge is that mostly they are not taken as adults and authorities think that they solutions are not serious enough, but when it comes to the fundamental changes they play the main role. I would recommend to have regular meetings with them, with people from different backgrounds and listen how they see the things. Being Youth is complicated period and they want the things simple and sometimes simple ways are the best.
Davit Vasadze: There always have been conflict between old and young generetion. Some adult peacebuilders can look at young peacebulders with a little bit doubt, because young people dont have enough experience, also there is a stereotype that youngsters are emotional (emotions sometimes interfere to job). I belive that youth with his big energy can solve many problems and conflicts. I recomend that, young peoples ideas should be listened and analysed. There should be bank of ideas, many ideas should be collected and used when it's necessery.