The first annual UNIDIR Global Youth Disarmament Essay competition was launched in 2022, responding to the calls for giving a voice to young people on the connections between disarmament and development. The Republic of Korea generously supported this essay competition. The theme of the first UNIDIR Global Youth Disarmament Essay competition was the ‘Disarmament, Security and Development Nexus’. Students and young professionals aged between 18 to 29 years old were invited to submit an essay that explored one of the following areas:
- Disarmament, economic growth, and inequalities;
- Disarmament for sustainable cities;
- Innovative disarmament efforts in light of the 21st century’s environmental challenges;
- Gender mainstreaming for sustainable disarmament and development.
The number of submissions received and the diversity of participants sharing their perspectives and insights speak to the success of this year’s Global Youth Disarmament Essay competition, with 121 essays from participants of 38 different nationalities. This publication presents the top five essays, as selected by a panel of international experts and UNIDIR staff. It showcases the next generation’s views on disarmament, security, and development at the local, national, regional, and global levels.
Citation: Various authors (2022) "Disarmament, Security and Development Nexus: Compendium of UNIDIR Annual Youth Disarmament Essay Competition’s Best Essays", UNIDIR, Geneva, Switzerland.