Youth, Peace and Security: Finland launches its second National Action Plan (2025-2028)
On December 1st, 2025, Finland strengthened its global leadership in the "Youth, Peace and Security" agenda for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2250. After leading with the first National Action Plan in 2021, Finland is now the first country to introduce its second National Action Plan, reaffirming its commitment to placing young people at the centre of peace and security policy.
The new Action Plan was developed through an extensive collaborative process involving young people, youth organisations, ministries, civil society networks and research institutions. This approach reflects a core principle of the Resolution itself: that youth must participate meaningfully at all stages of peacebuilding, not only as beneficiaries but as partners and decision-makers.
At the heart of Finland’s updated plan there are measures aimed at increasing youth inclusion in national and international peace and security processes. The plan places a strong emphasis on expanding young people’s opportunities to participate in political decision-making, particularly through advisory mechanisms, youth consultations and direct involvement in governmental and multilateral dialogues. It also broadens Finland’s commitment to conflict prevention, focusing on building social cohesion, addressing drivers of polarisation, and supporting youth-led initiatives that promote mediation, equality and democratic participation.
A major component concerns partnerships. The Action Plan outlines a coordinated approach between government sectors and international actors, ensuring that Finnish diplomacy actively advocates for youth-inclusive peace processes abroad. This includes integrating youth perspectives into Finland’s development cooperation, crisis management missions and peace mediation efforts.
Protection measures form another important pillar. The plan commits Finland to addressing threats faced by young people in fragile settings—such as violence, discrimination or political marginalisation—while reinforcing their access to support services, education and safe civic participation. The plan also reinforces principles guiding disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that programmes involving young people adopt a rights-based and trauma-sensitive approach.
Implementation will be overseen by a multi-stakeholder monitoring group responsible for producing both a mid-term and final report to Parliament. By doing so, Finland ensures transparency and long-term accountability, demonstrating that youth engagement is not symbolic but tied to measurable commitments.
With nearly 600 million young people living in fragile or conflict-affected areas, Finland’s renewed action plan arrives at a critical moment. It provides a concrete model for how states can translate the ambitions of UNSCR 2250—and its subsequent Resolutions 2419 and 2535—into national policies that elevate youth voices and strengthen peaceful societies.