Nerd-Out Youth, Peace & Security

In this finale episode of this series on Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security with hosts Katrina Leclerc and Blanche Monabeka, join the group and sit down with Hayatu Nura Ashafa from the Interfaith Mediation Centre, Nejat Mehdi from the Ethiopian Interfaith Development, Dialogue and Action, and Sameer Khan from Collective Pakistan. The group explores how youth of faith are spearheading interfaith efforts in the climate, peace and security space in their communities. Hear the case studies from Hayatu on the context of Nigeria, Nejat on the context of Ethiopia and Sameer on the context of Pakistan. Tune in to listen to more on youth-led faith-based approaches to resolving climate-induced conflicts from the prevention, response and post-conflict cycles of conflict.

In this episode of Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, hosts Katrina Leclerc and Blanche Monabeka sit down with Greshma Praju from the Ecopeace Teen Cafe. Together, they will explore innovative approaches to advancing climate, peace and security through reaching young people online. Greshma unpacks how engaging young people online further activates their localized climate action. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with perspectives from Gen Z!

In this second episode of this series on Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security with hosts Katrina Leclerc and Blanche Monabeka, join the group and sit down with Arizza Ann Nocum from KRIS for Peace and Ndugwa Hassan from the Prospect Initiative. The group explores their youth-led research published by the Kofi Annan Foundation on the impact of climate change, environmental degradation and conflicts on marginalized youth. Hear the specific case studies from Arizza on the context of the Philippines and Ndugwa on the context of Uganda. Tune in to listen to more on this youth-led research and how their faith shapes their work on the ground.

In this special French episode of this series on Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, hosts Katrina Leclerc and Blanche Monabeka sit down with Jules Kima from the organization, SUUDU ANDAL. Jules explores his youth-led research supported by the Kofi Annan Foundation in the context of his home, Burkina Faso, and the impact of climate change, environmental degradation and conflicts. Jules further elaborates on how this work is influenced by his religious beliefs. Tune in to listen to more on this critical topic! Dans cet épisode spécial en français de la série du balado Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, les animatrices Katrina Leclerc et Blanche Monabeka s’entretiennent avec Jules Kima, de l’organisation SUUDU ANDAL. Jules y présente sa recherche menée par des jeunes avec le soutien de la Fondation Kofi Annan, dans le contexte de son pays, le Burkina Faso. Il y explore les impacts des changements climatiques, de la dégradation de l’environnement et des conflits. Jules revient également sur l’influence de ses croyances religieuses dans son engagement. Branchez-vous pour en apprendre davantage sur ce sujet essentiel !

In this kickoff episode of Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, hosts Katrina Leclerc and Blanche Monabeka sit down with Hira Amjad from the Dastak Foundation. Together, they will explore the intersection of young people working at the intersection of environmental justice, gender. Hira shares insightful perspectives on the correlation between SRHR and climate change and the impacts she sees between the two in Pakistan. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on this interrelated and compound topic!

In this final episode of Nerd-Out YPS, Katrina Leclerc sits down with Simone Diouf, African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace, for a rich and dynamic conversation about Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) at the global and regional levels. In true Canadian fashion, this episode is fully bilingual—seamlessly alternating between French and English. Katrina and Simone explore the realities of institutionalizing YPS, the complexities of ensuring young people feel true ownership of the agenda, and the ways in which grassroots perspectives align—or clash—with high-level policymaking. Simone shares powerful reflections on how young peacebuilders engage with the YPS framework across Africa and beyond, offering valuable insights into the role of regional organizations like the African Union in amplifying youth voices. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion as we close out Season 1 with a conversation that underscores the importance of belonging, advocacy, and meaningful youth participation in peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Tune in and nerd out with us one last time this season! --- Dans ce dernier épisode de Nerd-Out YPS, Katrina Leclerc échange avec Simone Diouf, Ambassadrice de la Jeunesse pour la Paix de l’Union africaine, dans une conversation riche et dynamique sur la réalité de l’Agenda Jeunesse, Paix et Sécurité (JPS) aux niveaux mondial et régional. Fidèle à l’esprit canadien, cet épisode est entièrement bilingue, alternant naturellement entre le français et l’anglais. Katrina et Simone explorent les défis de l’institutionnalisation du JPS, la complexité d’assurer une appropriation réelle de l’agenda par les jeunes, et la manière dont les perspectives locales s’alignent – ou s’opposent – aux processus de prise de décision à plus grande échelle. Simone partage des réflexions profondes sur l’engagement des jeunes pour la paix à travers l’Afrique et au-delà, mettant en lumière le rôle clé des organisations régionales, comme l’Union africaine, dans l’amplification des voix des jeunes. Joignez-vous à nous pour cette discussion captivante alors que nous clôturons la première saison avec une conversation qui met en avant l’importance du sentiment d’appartenance, du plaidoyer et de la participation significative des jeunes dans les efforts de consolidation de la paix. Branchez-vous et venez geek-er avec nous une dernière fois cette saison !

In this episode of the Nerd-Out YPS podcast, Katrina Leclerc sits down with Alejandra Gutiérrez and Naiki Olivas Gaspar of the Observatorio de Juventudes Unidas por la Paz (OJUP), one of the newest national coalitions on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). Together, they delve into OJUP’s journey, from its origins to its vision for advancing peacebuilding in Mexico. Alejandra and Naiki share powerful insights into the sociopolitical challenges young people face in Mexico, including trafficking, gang violence, and the fight for human rights, and how these intersect with the YPS agenda. They also reflect on the importance of localizing the concept of “peacebuilders/peacebuilding” within the Mexican context and the opportunities presented by the country’s shifting political landscape. Tune in to discover the important work of OJUP and their advice for young peacebuilders navigating complex global realities. Episodio especial en español: En este episodio del Podcast Nerd-Out sobre JPS, Katrina Leclerc conversa con Alejandra Gutiérrez y Naiki Olivas Gaspar del Observatorio de Juventudes Unidas por la Paz (OJUP), una de las coaliciones nacionales más recientes en el ámbito de Juventud, Paz y Seguridad (JPS). Juntes, profundizan en el recorrido de OJUP, desde sus orígenes hasta su visión para avanzar en la construcción de paz en México. Alejandra y Naiki comparten reflexiones valiosas sobre los desafíos sociopolíticos que enfrentan les jóvenes en México, incluyendo el tráfico de personas, la violencia de pandillas y la lucha por los derechos humanos, y cómo estos temas se intersectan con la agenda de JPS. También reflexionan sobre la importancia de localizar el concepto de "constructores/as de paz" y "construcción de paz" dentro del contexto mexicano, así como sobre las oportunidades que presenta el cambiante panorama político del país. Escucha este episodio para descubrir el importante trabajo de OJUP y su consejo para les jóvenes constructores de paz que navegan las complejas realidades globales.

In the 7th episode of the Nerd-Out YPS podcast, Katrina Leclerc speaks with Obed Mugisha, the coordinator of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Coalition in Uganda. Together, they explore the coalition’s journey, from its inception to its early milestones, and discuss the vital role young people play in peacebuilding across Uganda. Obed shares valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities for youth in the peace and security landscape, reflecting on lessons from the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) movement and the innovative approaches YPS brings to the table. Tune in to hear about the transformative work happening in Uganda and Obed’s inspiring message for young peacebuilders worldwide.

In the 6th episode of the Nerd-Out YPS podcast, Katrina Leclerc sits down with Bakary Sonko from Peace Hub The Gambia to discuss The Gambia’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). Bakary shares insights on how the NAP is shaping youth-led peacebuilding efforts, supporting post-conflict reconciliation, and elevating young people to take an active role in sustaining peace. Tune in to learn about the innovative strategies and grassroots initiatives driving transformative change in The Gambia and beyond.

In this fifth episode of Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security (in French!), host Katrina Leclerc sits down with Benjamin Kuma from the DRC Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security. Together, they explore the dynamics of the YPS agenda in the Democratic Republic of Congo, discussing the Coalition’s current priorities amidst geopolitical changes, including the withdrawal of MONUSCO. Benjamin shares inspiring insights into youth-led peacebuilding efforts, national-level consultations, and innovative initiatives shaping the future of peace and security in the country. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on the critical role of Congolese youth in building a more just and peaceful future. Épisode spéciale en français : Dans ce cinquième épisode de Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, l’animatrice Katrina Leclerc reçoit Benjamin Kuma de la Coalition RDC pour la Jeunesse, la Paix et la Sécurité. Ensemble, ils explorent les dynamiques de l’agenda JPS en République démocratique du Congo, en discutant des priorités actuelles de la Coalition dans le contexte des changements géopolitiques, y compris le retrait de la MONUSCO. Benjamin partage des perspectives inspirantes sur les efforts de consolidation de la paix menés par les jeunes, les consultations nationales et les initiatives novatrices qui façonnent l’avenir de la paix et de la sécurité dans le pays. Ne manquez pas cette conversation enrichissante sur le rôle crucial des jeunes Congolais dans la construction d’un avenir plus juste et pacifique.

In this fourth episode of Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, host Katrina Leclerc sits down with Ratu Bintang Assyifa Arweys and Muhammad Rhaka Katresna from KAMI Damai, Indonesia’s Youth, Peace and Security coalition. Together, they explore Indonesia’s YPS landscape, touching on the unique challenges young peacebuilders face and the innovative approaches they bring to fostering community resilience and advocating for peace. Bintang and Rhaka share inspiring stories of youth-driven initiatives, as well as insights into the ways young Indonesians are influencing policy and contributing to sustainable peace efforts. Tune in for a discussion on how Indonesia’s youth are shaping a brighter, more peaceful future.

In this third episode of Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, host Katrina Leclerc sits down with Martin Mburu from the Kenyan Coalition on YPS. They delve into Kenya’s Youth, Peace and Security landscape, discussing the YPS National Action Plan, the recent political shifts, and the collective voices of young peacebuilders across the country. Martin offers powerful insights into how youth in Kenya are navigating barriers, advocating for sustainable peace, and actively contributing to policy discussions that shape the future. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about youth-led peacebuilding in Kenya and the impactful role young people are playing in transforming peace and security frameworks.

In this special backgrounder episode of Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, host Katrina Leclerc introduces the podcast and dives into the foundations of the YPS agenda. Katrina breaks down the key pillars of Youth, Peace and Security, the importance of young people’s role in peacebuilding, and how the Canadian Coalition for Youth, Peace and Security (CCYPS) is fostering youth leadership and advocacy. Whether you’re new to the YPS space or a seasoned peacebuilder, this episode provides an insightful overview of what the YPS agenda means globally and what to expect from the upcoming season. Tune in to nerd-out on all things YPS!

In this inaugural episode of Nerd-Out Youth, Peace and Security, host Katrina Leclerc sits down with Sarra Messaoudi from the MENA Coalition on YPS. Together, they explore the current state of YPS policies in the Middle East and North African region, the barriers young peacebuilders face, and the opportunities for youth to engage in shaping peace and security at both the national and regional levels. Sarra shares insightful perspectives on how frameworks like UN Security Council Resolution 2250 influence local policies and the crucial role young people play in advocating for peace. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the future of youth-led peacebuilding in the MENA region.