Young people are key partners in advancing international peace and security, supporting disarmament efforts, and contributing to the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda. Building on the outcomes of the Eleventh Conference of States Parties (CSP11) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), this side event aims to explore practical approaches to strengthening meaningful youth participation in the implementation and universalization of the Treaty.

The event will provide an open dialogue bringing together representatives of States Parties, international organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and youth organizations to discuss practical mechanisms for enhancing youth engagement in ATT implementation and universalization. It will also provide a platform for exchanging perspectives and experiences, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and identifying ways to enable young people to contribute more effectively to policymaking and implementation processes at the national, regional, and international levels.

The side event will also feature the outcomes of the Youth4ATT Simulation, a youth-led initiative designed to engage young people in policy-oriented discussions on the Arms Trade Treaty’s key priorities, including universalization, implementation, preventing illicit arms transfers, gender considerations, and national implementation efforts. The recommendations developed by participants will be presented through a youth-led policy report, followed by an interactive discussion on how these recommendations can inform future ATT processes and strengthen partnerships between youth, States Parties, and international organizations.

By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the event seeks to highlight the role of young people as active partners in advancing the objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty and contributing to its more inclusive, effective, and sustainable implementation and universalization.