Youth, Peace, and Security Act Introduction

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the reintroduction of my bill, the Youth, Peace, and Security Act of 2021.

Currently, youth make up the majority of the population in conflict- affected countries. However, youth remain under-represented in overseas conflict prevention, management, resolution, and post-conflict relief and recovery efforts. Youth and youth-led groups have shown their ability to play critical roles in deescalating conflict, preventing cyclical violence, and improving the effectiveness and sustainability of peace processes and agreements.

The Youth, Peace and Security Act of 2021 recognizes the importance of youth involvement and leadership in peace-building and conflict- prevention activities. The bill makes it the policy of the United States to promote the inclusive and meaningful participation of youth in peace building and conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as post-conflict relief and recovery efforts. The bill directs the State Department and USAID to develop a strategy to implement these goals. The strategy will prioritize providing training and technical assistance to youth; integrate youth consultation in aid programs; facilitate a safe and inclusive environment for youth; and, include youth in assessments of U.S. peace and security initiatives, among other priorities.

The bill would also require the President to appoint a coordinator to implement this strategy, currently held by USAID's Senior Agency Advisor on Youth. The coordinator will lead the implementation of the Youth, Peace, and Security strategy; establish an advisory group made up of youth and civil society organizations to guide the implementation of the strategy; and, oversee the awarding of grants and provision of technical assistance to youth-led, peace-building organizations and individuals. These grants are part of the newly established Youth, Peace, and Security Fund, which seeks to support organizations dedicated to peace building, conflict prevention, conflict management, and conflict resolution.

I am thrilled to be joined in leading this bill with my colleagues Congressman John Curtis, Congressman Dean Phillips, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important piece of legislation.

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