Dr Ingrid Valladares1, Dr Helen Berents1, Dr Yulia Nesterova2
1Griffith University, School of Government and International Relations, Brisbane, Australia, 2University of Glasgow, School of Education, Glasgow, Scotland
Biography:
Dr. Ingrid Valladares (she/her) is a researcher with a PhD from the Centre for Justice at Queensland University of Technology, focusing on intergenerational dialogue and its role in young people’s political participation. Her research interests include youth political participation, intergenerational engagement for social cohesion, environmental justice, and political activism. With over a decade of experience in public policy, electoral participation, and community engagement, Ingrid has worked across government, not-for-profit, and community sectors. She holds a Dual Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Education, a Master of International Relations, and a PhD, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise
Abstract:
Intergenerational engagement, whether in the form of dialogue, partnerships or solidarity, is increasingly recognised as crucial in enabling stable and lasting peace (Lee-Koo & Pruitt, 2024; Tanhoj, 2023; Valladares, 2024). However, what this growing rhetorical commitment to ‘intergenerational’ approaches looks like in practice remains underexplored. Implementation of the UN-led Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda provides a useful site to examine what intergenerational engagement might look like.
This paper discusses the findings from a multi-sited investigation focusing on the development of the first National Action Plans on YPS globally in Nigeria, the Philippines, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Finland. Drawing from an analysis of NAPYPS policy documents, a survey and interviews with key stakeholders in each process, it identifies successes, challenges and factors influencing meaningful intergenerational collaboration. In doing this, the paper develops a conceptualisation of intergenerational engagement as mutual learning for genuine action and social change to further conversations in peace studies and research on advocacy and social movements. By addressing intergenerational divides and moving beyond tokenistic youth inclusion, this study offers insights into the peacebuilding potential of intergenerational engagement and actionable strategies for its effective implementation.