2019/Spanish Group about Youth and Peace

Interview of the Spanish Group after the Training Course in Armenia "Youth and Peace" 2019

WHY YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE A ROLL TO PLAY IN PROMOTING PEACEBUILDING?

I think the new generations have a very different perspective of life compared to the mentality and way of thinking of their forebears. There lies the main fact for renovation. Young people nowadays are enable to turn the page of history of their people, above all in those places on earth where there were many important conflicts, so they can begin to think to not hate those who once injured the memory of a culture, and not to blame each other. Human beings always fighted and killed sometimes for more lands, for power, for glory... It's in the new generations where we have to keep the faith that a better future is possible, with more awareness of the mistakes of the past, leaving aside the differences and focusing rather on the things that people have in common, regardless of your origin, it will certainly contribute in a positive way to a more ethical and more united society, while each people can maintain their traditions and culture.

HOW CAN YOUTH PROMOTE PEACE AND PREVENT CONFLICTS IN THEIR COMMUNITY?

I think it's on everyones' will where everything begins. The good, and the bad. The habits one takes today will be those that determine the type of person you will be in the future. It's no use talking a lot and doing little. Everything is a matter of discipline and take into consideration the small details of your personal life and then lead by example.

The United States Navy admiral William Harry Mcraven said once. "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed". "If you can't do the little things right, you'll never be able to do the big things right. And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made, that you made. And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better".

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.

The main challenge is the temptation of small talking. Many times the politicians that represent us in the Parlament are the reflect of the society we are part of, included the young people. A good speech and then a photo with the voters means nothing. It's only a proof of pure and cheap conformity, so you can blame the other in case everything is not going as you expected.

When changes are necessary, it's important to do something more rather than talk and promises in long term. It's question of knowing well our rights but also the duties we have to make as citizens, something important to not forget if we want to build a better world.

We can not achieve important targets by only demanding rights. We have to accept that nothing is perfect, Everything is a balance of conflicting interests, and more in making peace decisions between nations. Each political decision that is taken will restrict some rights more and prioritize more others, for the responsibility that this implies, but always trying to seek the common good.

I think a society of conscience is necessary. It has always been for a few to sacrifice for the good of many. Young people can contribute many good things in political and social matters. They are sectors that must be recycled with this youth contribution, their new ideas, which far from being archaic bring a decisive renewal for world peace, despite the difficulties involved in trying to resolve conflicts in terms of borders, control and exploitation of natural resources, security, etc.