Young people’s voices are key to securing global peace and security

In a world with increasing global uncertainties, young voices should play a crucial role in shaping peace and security topics.

A recent survey from Global Shaper Hubs conducted in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) provides valuable insights in eight different categories on how young people perceive these issues, highlighting their concerns, priorities and expectations from policy-makers.

With more than 120 respondents from young people with different backgrounds, age and education, this survey gives a good perspective on a generation that will shape the next era of diplomacy, defence and security policy.

The survey showed that global security is a top concern for young people, with insights including:

A significant 64% of respondents express concern or strong concern about global security. Among the most pressing perceived threats, 15% identify radicalization and extremism as a major issue.

Climate change and natural disasters rank second, with 10% of respondents recognizing them as significant threats. Disinformation and fake news, cited by 9%, further compound security challenges.

The findings suggest that young people recognize the interconnectedness of different threats, including radicalization, disinformation, polarization and political instability. This underlines a demand for holistic and multifaceted security strategies.

Nearly half of respondents (47%) think that politicians are not doing enough to ensure peace and security. Dissatisfaction appears more pronounced among minority groups, though gender does not significantly impact opinions on political leadership in this area. There is also a need for young people-inclusive policy-making.

Nine in 10 (91%) of young people believe they have little to no influence on political decisions related to peace and security. While 57% think that young people should be actively involved in these discussions, 98% agree that young people should have at least some level of participation in peace and security matters.

However, access to participation remains a challenge. In Germany, 67% of respondents feel there are no accessible opportunities for engagement, while in Austria, 37% believe such opportunities are lacking.

This suggests that while young people are eager to contribute, systemic barriers prevent meaningful involvement, reinforcing the need for more inclusive platforms and education on civic engagement.

The survey reveals divided opinions on military investment. While 45% support increased funding, 33% favour cuts. Among those who advocate for increased military spending, 39% believe the military should play a central role, including participation in international missions.

Meanwhile, 41% argue for a focus on national defence, and 19% support military use only in emergencies. Conversely, 79% of those who oppose increased military investment believe the military should be reserved exclusively for emergencies.

Climate change is increasingly seen as a security issue, with 66% of respondents believing it should be officially recognized as such. Additionally, 90% support its inclusion in international security discussions, and 79% view investments in renewable energy as crucial for security. This underscores the need for sustainable policies that integrate environmental resilience into peace and security strategies.

Cybersecurity is another major concern, with 82% of respondents viewing cyberattacks as a serious threat. The primary cybersecurity challenges identified include the increasing complexity of cyber threats (25%), rapid technological advancements outpacing regulations (25%), lack of public awareness (21%), weak international cybersecurity laws and cooperation (17%), and limited resources in developing nations (9%).

Additionally, 56% see artificial intelligence (AI) as both an opportunity and a threat, while 27% view it positively and 14% perceive it as a danger. These insights reveal an urgent need for international cooperation on digital security and cybersecurity education for the public.

A strong majority of 81% believe that international organizations and alliances play a critical role in maintaining peace. Additionally, 55% think their countries should allocate more funding for international organizations.

When asked which areas their countries should prioritize in international cooperation, the top responses were: diplomacy and conflict resolution (13%), human rights protection (12%), environmental and resource protection (9%), education for conflict prevention and peacebuilding (8%), and strengthening the rule of law and governance (8%).

Based on the survey, several key steps can be taken to better engage young people in peace and security discussions:

The young people of the DACH region demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of peace and security challenges, recognizing the interconnected threats of climate change, radicalization, disinformation and military policy.

However, despite their enthusiasm, they feel largely disconnected from political decision-making. Addressing this gap requires proactive engagement strategies from governments, institutions, and civil society organizations.

As the global security landscape evolves, harnessing the insights and energy of young people will be crucial in shaping a resilient and peaceful future.

Shaping Peace & Security is a young people-led initiative founded by the Global Shapers Hubs of Heidelberg, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, to amplify young voices in peace and security matters. The project is now supported by many other hubs in the DACH region and addresses critical gaps in policies, where youth perspectives are often overlooked despite rising concerns about global security.

Grounded in the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, the initiative highlights the need for youth involvement in shaping security strategies. Through surveys, interviews, seminars and advocacy efforts, it gathers insights from young people (aged 16-30) to inform policy-makers and the public. By fostering collaboration with youth organizations and policy-makers, Shaping Peace & Security aims to create participatory platforms, raise awareness, and advocate for meaningful youth inclusion in decision-making processes.