With over half of internet users under the age of 25, young people are central to any discussion about peace and security in the digital space. Young people are leading the way with using the internet in innovative ways and creating online peacebuilding initiatives where millions of active users are thriving in challenging contexts. Yet, while digital peacebuilding can help shape positive discourses of peace, it comes with challenges too.

We explore how young people are using digital spaces to practice political and civic participation to foster peacebuilding in fragile contexts. We interrogate assumptions about the use of technology for youth-led peacebuilding, including the suggested deepening of inclusivity across age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds, and the widening of participation that technology provides to peacebuilders.

This event is part of the ODI at 60 series, challenging decision-makers to provide more sustainable and equitable pathways for the future.