Over the past 15 years, the frequency, scale, and funding needs for responses to complex emergencies and natural disasters have significantly increased. According to the United Nations, armed conflicts were a major cause of disruption across the humanitarian landscape over the past decade. In 2016, there were 402 ongoing conflicts compared to 278 in 2006. Knowledge, innovation, human capital, financial assistance, and new approaches are needed to save more lives, alleviate suffering, and reduce the impacts of ongoing and future conflicts and disasters.

With the number of conflicts and disasters growing both more complex and longer in duration, the impact on communities and human lives is increasing at a staggering rate. Recently, numerous high-level summits and conferences have discussed the need for new ways and solutions to address, respond, and prevent the growing number of conflicts and disasters. An area identified as needing more focus or attention is how to better build resilience and preparedness at individual and community levels. Youth can be pivotal in this area as well as how we shape overall approaches.

This brief was developed by the Youth in Peace and Security Community of Practice.