Human rights activist Ilwad Elman appointed advisor to UN Study on Youth

Human rights activist Ilwad Elman has been appointed advisor to the UN Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security.

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon appointed Elman among 20 other advisors to carry out a progress study on the youth’s positive contribution to peace processes and conflict resolution, in order to recommend effective responses at local, national, regional and international levels.

Elman said in her tweet she was thrilled and honoured to be appointed to the position by the UN chief.

The UN resolution 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security adopted by the Security is the first resolution to recognize the important and positive role young women and men play in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.

Elman, who is the director of Mogadishu Elman Peace and Human Rights joins a team of experts with a wide range of issues, including youth empowerment, enhanced political participation of women and youth, gender equality and peace, violence prevention and youth development.

“The Advisory Group brings together distinguished individuals with a wide range of experience to help inform the Progress Study and strengthen the design of more innovative policy solutions for engaging young people in conflict resolution and peacebuilding,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth

The team will be headed by South African Graeme Simpson.

The findings and recommendations of the Study will be presented to the Security Council in December 2017, on the second anniversary of the adoption of resolution 2250 (2015).