Beijing, China – 30 July 2025: In a powerful gathering of youth voices from across the globe, the World Youth Peace Conference took place in Beijing on Saturday, 29 July 2025. The event, organised in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, culminated in the official launch of the World Youth Peace Initiative – a joint declaration by youth representatives from all continents, calling for a renewed global commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable development.
Representing African youth at this landmark occasion, Mr. Peter Kwasi Kodjie, Secretary-General of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), joined four other youth representatives from different regions of the world in unveiling the historic declaration. Speaking on behalf of Africa’s youth, Mr. Kodjie reiterated the need for inclusive multilateralism, global solidarity, and intergenerational partnerships to address today’s most pressing challenges.
The World Youth Peace Initiative, released jointly by the five youth representatives, is a rallying call to action for youth across all nations. Below is the full text of the declaration:
World Youth Peace Initiative
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations.
Eighty years ago, in face of the dark and evil forces of fascism, people from different countries, nations, social systems, and ideologies united together and, through tremendous sacrifice, secured the triumph of justice and peace, marking the beginning of a new chapter in rebuilding post-war world order and the pursuit of lasting peace for humanity.
Over the past 80 years, under the themes of peace and development and propelled by waves of scientific and technological innovation, human civilisation has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity, the world has become more interconnected than ever before, and humanity has increasingly become a community with a shared future that shares weal and woe.
Today, 80 years on, transformations of the world unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. Changes of the world, of our times, and of the historical trajectory are taking place in ways like never before. Once again, humanity has come to a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games.
As representatives of the youth from around the world, we deeply cherish peace and understand the responsibilities borne by our generation. Only by treasuring peace and upholding unity can humanity embrace a brighter future. To this end, we solemnly issue this World Youth Peace Initiative, calling on young people across the globe to unite in safeguarding peace, promoting development, and shaping our shared future.