#Netherlands #The Hague #Americas Youth Advocacy #Carnegie Peace Prize #Youth Peacebuilders

Americas Youth Advocacy Team: A Beacon of Peace

On December 12, 2025, the Americas Youth Advocacy Team (Am-YAT) will be celebrated at the Peace Palace in The Hague for their remarkable contribution to peacebuilding, receiving the esteemed Youth Carnegie Peace Prize. Am-YAT has distinguished itself through its unique approach to promoting peace among youth, engaging policymakers and connecting young advocates throughout the Americas.

What is the Americas Youth Advocacy Team?

Established in May 2024 as part of the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY), Am-YAT is a vibrant coalition composed of 25 young peacebuilders from 16 youth-led organizations across North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The organization was born out of a necessity to amplify youth voices in peace processes and to unite young leaders in their endeavors to foster peace.

The focus of Am-YAT is to enhance youth-led advocacy and facilitate the implementation of international and regional frameworks related to Youth, Peace, and Security. They do this through various initiatives, including research, workshops, campaigns, and grassroots efforts that aim to empower young people and heighten their involvement in peacebuilding activities.

In April 2025, the team released its landmark publication, Catalyst for Change, which is an evidence-based report addressing significant gaps in youth and peace research. This impactful document showcases actionable tools designed to support youth participation in conflict resolution, advocacy for human and environmental rights, and recognizes the importance of unity in diversity.

The Significance of the Prize

The Youth Carnegie Peace Prize is awarded biannually by the Carnegie Foundation in collaboration with the Youth Peace Initiative. It seeks to honor standout efforts by young individuals and organizations dedicated to innovative practices in peacebuilding. By shining a spotlight on their work, the Prize inspires broader involvement and the initiation of similar efforts in various communities worldwide.

Recognizing the work of organizations like Am-YAT is vital for demonstrating the potential of youth to drive change and to influence positive outcomes in their societies. The jury of the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize highlighted how the team has made complex concepts about peace accessible to a wider audience while effectively engaging with policymakers.

A Closer Look: Catalyst for Change

The Catalyst for Change report served not only as a research document but also as a strategic tool aimed at advocating for youth involvement in peace initiatives. It provided a platform for young leaders to express their perspectives and demands, while also showcasing successes from grassroots movements across the Americas.

This pivotal report emphasizes three core themes:
1. Youth engagement in conflict resolution.
2. Advocacy for human and environmental rights.
3. The importance of fostering unity despite cultural differences.

By underpinning these themes, Am-YAT seeks to propose tangible recommendations for policymakers, encouraging them to invest in youth-led initiatives which are critical for sustainable peace. The report champions the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and education in combating polarization, which is crucial for societal cohesion.

The Award Ceremony

The ceremony to present the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize to Am-YAT will occur at the Peace Palace on December 12, 2025, and will be streamed live online, providing an opportunity for global viewers to witness this important event. Members of the press are invited to attend and cover this prestigious occasion, allowing for widespread recognition of the remarkable contributions made by the Americas Youth Advocacy Team.

For those interested in learning more, detailed program information is available on the official Peace Palace website.

Conclusion

The recognition of the Americas Youth Advocacy Team as a recipient of the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize is not merely a celebration of their achievements; it embodies the empowerment of youth in peacebuilding and reaffirms the importance of their voices in shaping a more peaceful future. In a time where youth activism is crucial, such acknowledgments can inspire others across the globe to become advocates for change in their communities.