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Youth Leaders Push for Greater Role in Bangsamoro Peacebuilding
DAVAO
CITY — Young leaders from various sectors gathered here on January 21–23, 2026
for the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Consultation titled “From Participants
to Influence: Youth Engagements in the Bangsamoro,” calling for stronger and
more meaningful youth involvement in peacebuilding and governance processes in
the Bangsamoro.
The
three-day consultation, supported by Initiatives for International Dialogue
(IID), provided a platform for youth advocates to discuss their roles in
conflict prevention, community development, and democratic participation.
Participants emphasized that young people should be recognized not merely as
beneficiaries or attendees of peace initiatives, but as key actors capable of
influencing policies and decisions.
Representing
Central Mindanao Colleges, Mark Rey A. Ampuan joined fellow youth leaders in
underscoring the importance of empowering young people to take on leadership
roles in peace processes. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen youth
capacities, expand inclusive spaces for engagement, and institutionalize
mechanisms that allow youth voices to shape governance outcomes in the
Bangsamoro.
The
consultation tackled key issues such as youth leadership development, inclusive
governance, collaboration with civil society and academic institutions, and the
creation of safe spaces for dialogue. Participants shared experiences and best
practices aimed at ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into local
and regional peace efforts.
Organizers
noted that the initiative contributes to the advancement of the Sustainable
Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong
Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
As
the consultation concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to
continue working collectively to ensure that youth in the Bangsamoro are not
only heard, but are actively shaping a more peaceful, inclusive, and
sustainable future for their communities.
Publishers: CMC Cial Activities