Nowadays, the world faces different types of international and local conflicts. There are currently more than 40 international conflicts around the globe that are shaping today’s synergies. Across all continents, the world is now facing an unprecedented scenario where the post-World War II multilateral institutions play a decisive role.
The members of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) believe that in the peaceful process of dispute settlement, the younger generation, intercultural dialogues, and solidarity among them do have key roles. For that reason, the IUSY Congress 2021 approved the implementation of the Peace Thematic Network (PTN).
Since that decision, IUSY Presidium has decided to involve Member organisations in the network’s approach and to choose a local coordinator, to guarantee the sustainability and development of the Network in the future years. As such, the Network’s aim is to organise international events that should be joined by representatives of conflict parties and experts, guests, and civic sectors to discuss the peace process and to raise awareness among young members of the IUSY parties.
Georgian Dream hosted the opening project of the Peace Thematic Network in Tbilisi from 20-23 September 2022. The three-day visit of IUSY included official meetings with the speaker of the Parliament, and Municipal representatives of Tbilisi and with Georgian Dream Party leadership. During panel discussions, the PTN covered regional challenges, the importance of peace and future steps of the network.
The participants visited the conflict area in Shida Kartli region where, even 14 years after the 2008 war the occupation continues. Unfortunately, the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement has continued to be violated by the Russian Federation.
We, young representatives of IUSY member organisations present in Tbilisi, reiterate the call on the imperialist Russian Federation to stop its interference in regional stability and to end its illegal invasion and war in Ukraine.
Secondly, we highlight the importance of the 12 August Ceasefire Agreement fulfilment by the Russian Federation in Georgia. As such, the IUSY will further foster advocacy campaigns for the respect of international law in Georgian territories.
Moreover, the Peace Thematic Network emphasises the need for peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict according to the OSCE Minsk Group principles, as well as reiterates its support for the territorial integrity of Armenia.
The PTN also received information about the current socio-political situation in Nicaragua under the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega. The country’s institutions are deeply under attack due to the permanent interference of powers and authorities. And, until today, more than 190 opponents of Ortega’s regime have been imprisoned. Finally, more than 200,000 Nicaraguans had fled to Costa Rica and Honduras since the beginning of Ortega’s dictatorship in 2018.
The Peace Thematic Network will further develop all possible work for the establishment of the IUSY Political School for Peace and Democracy under the scope of United Nations Democracy programs.
Furthermore, future hosts should be encouraged to engage with all interested parties in the conflict to participate in any event related to the Peace Thematic Network.