On April 27, the UN Security Council held a video conference on Youth, Peace and Security and was briefed by Secretary-General António Guterres, SG's Envoy on Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake and representatives from civil society. Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, participated in the meeting and delivered remarks.

Ambassador Zhang Jun said, young people account for 16 percent of world population, and they are playing an important role in promoting sustainable development, maintaining international peace and security, and strengthening global solidarity and partnership. China attaches great importance to the agenda of Youth, Peace and Security, and welcome progress made in the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2250 and 2419. Meanwhile, young people in a number of countries and regions are still suffering from armed conflicts, as a result facing hardships of poverty, unemployment, and marginalization etc. The spread of COVID-19 pandemic also poses great challenges, putting the health, education and employment of young people at risk. The international community should fully implement relevant Security Council resolutions, stay attentive on the development of youth, and support them in playing a bigger role in advancing world peace and development.

First, step up efforts to protect the youth, prevent conflicts, and shield youth from the harm of terrorism and extremism. The Security Council should promote political settlement of hot-spot issues, work towards conflict prevention and resolution through peaceful means, and create a peaceful and safe environment for youth. The international community should resolutely fight against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism with unified standards, combat the terrorism and extremism ideologies that corrode the mind of young people.

Second, acknowledge and support the important role of youth in advancing peace and security. It is important to take into full consideration youth-related factors in the political settlement of hot-spot issues, ensure the constructive participation of young people in peace process. Youth should also be enabled to participate in conflict prevention and resolution, and take active part in post-conflict reconstruction.

Third, promote inclusive development, create favorable environment for youth development, and strive for lasting peace. The international community should make youth a key driver in the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and pursue peace through development. Countries need to invest more in education and vocational training for young people, create more employment opportunities, support entrepreneurship, take very seriously the possible disruption in education, employment, accessibility of health services for youth, and address the risks with concrete measures.

Ambassador Zhang Jun said, China has been actively carrying out youth exchanges and cooperation with many countries and international organizations. We provide government scholarships to young students from all over the world to study in China. China has also deployed many excellent young peacekeepers, including female peacekeepers to various UN Missions. It is the sincere hope of China that with our joint efforts, we can shape a brighter shared future for all, including our younger generations.