This SSR Backgrounder examines the intersection of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda with security sector governance and reform (SSG/R) processes.

It discusses who constitutes youth within the YPS framework and underscores the significance of youth in peace and security, due both to the vulnerability of people in this age group to violence and their potential as agents of positive change.

It also presents the Five Pillars of YPS, which provide a framework for action through participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, and disengagement and reintegration.

These pillars align closely with the principles of SSG/R, especially participation, effectiveness, accountability, responsiveness, rule of law, and gender equality. SSR processes can thus facilitate implementation of the YPS Agenda by enhancing youth participation, improving protection and prevention efforts, fostering partnerships, and integrating disengagement and reintegration initiatives.

To that end, this Backgrounder outlines various ways security sector actors can contribute to YPS, including through internal reforms, the commitment of leadership, oversight, engagement with civil society, educational initiatives, and international support.

Moreover, it highlights that effectively implementing the YPS Agenda and achieving transformative change in security provision for youth requires collaboration between and among security institutions, governments, civil society, and international organizations. 

SSR processes can facilitate implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda by enhancing youth participation, improving protection and prevention efforts, fostering partnerships, and integrating disengagement and reintegration initiatives.