The world’s most violent conflicts are being fought within its most youthful populations. In the five countries that suffered nearly 80 percent of recent deaths from violent extremism, half of all people were younger than 22. The youth in these countries are also some of their communities’ most effective peacebuilders and best hopes for breaking cycles of violence.

On December 12, USIP streamed a forum with thought leader and youth leader participants from USIP’s Youth Leaders’ Exchange with His Holiness the Dalai Lama discussing what it takes to build inner resilience and how to apply it to peacebuliding.

Speakers:Wadi Ben-HirkiFounder, Wadi Ben-Hriki Foundation (Nigeria)

Jimmie BriggsExecutive Director, Leave Out Violence-U.S., (U.S.)

Meron KochoMember of Council, MESPO-Iraq (Iraq)

Maya Soetoro-NgAdvisor, Obama Foundation (U.S.)

Gregg ZoroyaEditorial Writer, USA Today (U.S)