On International Youth Day, young people send clear message: we are strong peace-builders

Speakers and hosts from the Ecumenical International Youth day 2024 online event. Photo: Valter Muniz/WCC

On Monday, 12 August, young people across the world participated in the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical International Youth Day, which convened under the theme 'Journey of Justice, Peace, and Unity: A Call to End Violence.' The online event highlighted the experiences and resilience of young people and children living amidst conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and support.

In opening remarks, Rev Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, WCC programme director for Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Formation, expressed appreciation for the collaboration of ACT Alliance, World Christian Student Federation, and other ecumenical partners that worked collaboratively to organize the event.

"This event is a case in point of young people's agency being realised as you take up the cause of peace-building in your own voices," reflected Nalwamba. "You are envoys of the good news of Jesus Christ in a fragmented world where God sends you as agents of reconciliation and peace."

Abigayle Bolado, WCC programme executive for Youth Engagement, expressed amazement at seeing young people from across the world coming together to show support and solidarity for those who have endured and are still enduring the devastating impact of war and conflict.

"We are deeply saddened by the toll of war, which robs the youth and children of today and tomorrow in numerous war-torn countries," she said. "From well-known places like Gaza and Ukraine to often-overlooked areas like Haiti, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, and Pakistan, the horrors of war persist."

Kuku Fajak, from the Episcopal Church of Sudan, was among several young people who shared stories about being directly impacted by war, as well as stories from organizations working on the ground.

"Everything was normal," he said. "But all of a sudden, the war broke out in Sudan and my family, my life were thrown into disarray."

He described the ordeal of his family trying to find a safe space to shelter and to simply live their daily lives. During that time, his mental strain began to manifest as depression.

"I had sleepless nights, and days filled with worry were just becoming my norm," he said. When he had the opportunity to move to Juba, with his family temporarily in Egypt, he found a job supporting information technology for a non-governmental organization involved in Bible translation.

"That helped me to provide for my family who are in Egypt and gave me a sense of a purpose that lifted up my spirit again," he said.

"My journey from the chaos of Sudan, and war in Sudan to the relative peace of Juba was marked by immense challenges," he added. "But in Juba, I found more than just a new home-I found a renewed sense of hope and strength to dream of a better and brighter future."

Yoleni Rabelais spoke about the WCC's peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East, including the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel. "The work not only contributes to immediate protective measures, but also helps build a comprehensive record of human rights conditions, which is essential for long term advocacy and international awareness," she said. "It's essential to support and empower young people in these war-torn regions, fostering a future of peace and stability."

WCC programme executive for Human Rights and Disarmament Jennifer Philpot-Nissen spoke about nuclear disarmament and the campaign to stop killer robots. "In 2017, following years of advocacy, which the World Council of Churches and member churches, particularly the voices in Pacific, had joined, the UN adopted a treaty which banned nuclear weapons," she said. "Yes, you heard that right-nuclear weapons are illegal under international law."

Dr Manoj Kurian, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, shed light on the crucial role of faith communities in trauma healing and mental health support. "The young people living with disabilities are four times more vulnerable to experiencing violence than those who do not live with disabilities," he said. "The violence can cause post-traumatic stress disorders, and can lead to depression, anxiety, an increased chance of substance abuse, and increased chance of dissociation and attachment disorders. Faith Communities can make a difference by striving to end conflicts, and to promote and nurture, dialogue, peace and reconciliation; and by promoting and sustaining healing processes, including trauma healing."

The WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing also shared a "Call for cross-generational action on mental health and youth."

Daisy Yator, an ACT Alliance team assistant in Africa and youth secretariat focal point, also shared a call to action.

"We do not want to be silent," she said. "We are here to support each other and be instruments of peace in this world."

The World Christian Student Federation, through social media and networking, drew many young participants. "Let's celebrate the hope and transformation that arise amidst challenges and conflicts," the federation stated. "The courage within youth is a sign of change, carrying the power to build a liberating and hopeful future. Never underestimate the power of your hope!"

Ecumenical International Youth Day concluded with a solidarity prayer service during which young people-and people of good will of all ages-lit candles, region by region, drawing together with a pledge not just for deep thought but concerted action.

As Yator said, "We encourage you, young people, to continue advocating for peace and justice and further replicate this fellowship in your countries and region."

LINKS

Download the International Youth Day 2024 Toolkit:
www.oikoumene.org/resources/publications/ecumenical-international-youth-day-2024-toolkit

Young people in the ecumenical movement:
www.oikoumene.org/what-we-do/young-people-in-the-ecumenical-movement