Former Youth Engagement Program Director Joy Eva Bohol, who conceptualized the first edition of the toolkit, noted that “War is the worst enemy of human rights, says UN Human Rights Commissionhello Volker Türk. The devastating impact of war and conflict disproportionately affects children and young people.”

According to the UNHCR, more than 42% of the nearly 110 million forcibly displaced people worldwide are children under the age of 18, and about 60% are under the age of 30.

Through the WCC Ecumenical International Youth Day toolkit, young people, using their own voices and perspectives, highlight the realities and impacts of war and conflict in different parts of the world. They call upon churches to take a proactive and strong stand against war, conflict, and violence, inspired by Jesus’ message of “abundant life for all” (John 10:10).

“Churches need to acknowledge, affirm and mobilize to recognize that while young people are often the victims of these atrocities, they are also powerful instruments of hope and agents of change,” Bohol added.

With this toolkit, the World Council of Churches Commission on Youth in the Ecumenical Movement will draw attention to the situation of young people living in realities of war, conflict and injustice, both in civil wars and transnational wars.

““We want to bring together a diverse group of participants and bring them closer together in a sense of spiritual solidarity so that we can all consciously convey the message of peace on August 12,” he said. Bolado.

“The relaunch of the toolkit and the activities of the 2024 International Ecumenical Youth Day follow up on the reaffirmation of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches to foreground the role of young people in ecumenical work. Building peace is one of the key priorities for the 2023-2030 strategic period. We thank God for the prophetic witness of young people to this urgent global concern,” reflected Rev. Dr. Kuzipa Nalwamba, Director of the Unity, Mission and Ecumenical Formation Programme.

Download the International Youth Day 2024 Toolkit

Register for the Ecumenical International Youth Day Online Event

Young people in the ecumenical movement