UNDP organising drive to equip youth to take charge against crime

Amidst rising concerns over citizen security in the Caribbean, a deliberate effort is being made to empower the region’s youth to step into leadership roles and drive change from within. Through a free, online course by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the United States Agency for International

Development (USAID), youth will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle pressing security challenges head-on.

The ‘Youth on the way to Peace and Security’ course is being launched regionally as part of CariSECURE 2.0 (CS2.0), which works to reduce youth involvement in crime and trafficking in persons (TIP) in the region, states a UNDP release. It will run from April 16– May 3, with support from InfoSegura.

This course comes at a crucial time when security issues like crime and violence are on the rise in the Caribbean. By the end of the course, participants will have improved understanding of regional security challenges, enhanced leadership skills, and greater opportunity to network with peers and experts around the region, empowering them to take leadership roles in regional conversations and citizen security activities.

Project manager for CariSECURE 2.0, Maia Hibben, underscored the significance of engaging young people in matters of citizen security. “Throughout the life of our project, input from young people has been invaluable,” she said, “whether it be helping to craft national work plans

to reduce crime, developing a roadmap for youth empowerment in the Caribbean, or creating digital solutions to improve crime reporting as planned for this year, youth have proven that their perspectives are indispensable. This course is just another way for youth to strengthen their skills to address regional security challenges.”

By building capacity of young leaders to address security challenges and promote social cohesion, the course contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16, towards Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

The course will offer lessons in the current mechanisms that impact youth decision making, insight into youth citizen security challenges in the Caribbean, and give practical guidance on the positive roles participants can play in conflict resolution, with complementary webinars podcasts and practical resources tailored to the English-speaking Caribbean. It is free of charge and open to participants from all backgrounds, regardless of age, nationality, or level of experience.

A certificate will be awarded upon completion. Interested persons are asked to register for the course by April 15, 2024 at: escuelavirtualpnud.org/login/index.php? or contact Denyce Blackman at :denyce.blackman@undp.org.