[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 133 (Thursday, July 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              YOUTH, PEACE, AND SECURITY ACT INTRODUCTION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2021

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the reintroduction 
of my bill, the Youth, Peace, and Security Act of 2021.
  Currently, youth make up the majority of the population in conflict-
affected countries. However, youth remain under-represented in overseas 
conflict prevention, management, resolution, and post-conflict relief 
and recovery efforts. Youth and youth-led groups have shown their 
ability to play critical roles in deescalating conflict, preventing 
cyclical violence, and improving the effectiveness and sustainability 
of peace processes and agreements.
  The Youth, Peace and Security Act of 2021 recognizes the importance 
of youth involvement and leadership in peace-building and conflict-
prevention activities. The bill makes it the policy of the United 
States to promote the inclusive and meaningful participation of youth 
in peace building and conflict prevention, management, and resolution, 
as well as post-conflict relief and recovery efforts. The bill directs 
the State Department and USAID to develop a strategy to implement these 
goals. The strategy will prioritize providing training and technical 
assistance to youth; integrate youth consultation in aid programs; 
facilitate a safe and inclusive environment for youth; and, include 
youth in assessments of U.S. peace and security initiatives, among 
other priorities.
  The bill would also require the President to appoint a coordinator to 
implement this strategy, currently held by USAID's Senior Agency 
Advisor on Youth. The coordinator will lead the implementation of the 
Youth, Peace, and Security strategy; establish an advisory group made 
up of youth and civil society organizations to guide the implementation 
of the strategy; and, oversee the awarding of grants and provision of 
technical assistance to youth-led, peace-building organizations and 
individuals. These grants are part of the newly established Youth, 
Peace, and Security Fund, which seeks to support organizations 
dedicated to peace building, conflict prevention, conflict management, 
and conflict resolution.
  I am thrilled to be joined in leading this bill with my colleagues 
Congressman John Curtis, Congressman Dean Phillips, and Congressman 
Brian Fitzpatrick. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor 
this important piece of legislation.

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