United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Denise E Antonio has called for a Knowledge Sharing and Empowerment Network on peace, crime prevention and citizen safety and security for youth organizations.

In her address to the Youth Summit on Crime and Violence on September 21, World Peace Day, Ms Antonio explained that the proposed network could serve to systematize best practices in youth-led community-based crime prevention methods and provide mentorship, resources, crime prevention micro grant funding and other opportunities to youth-led organizations.

She pointed out that the network could be a product of institutional arrangements already in place between the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Education Youth and Information and could include select private and civil society organizations.   

She further noted that the network could ensure sustainability of the gains made through the UNDP’s Amplifying Youth Voice and Action AYVA (AYVA) project and other similar initiatives being implemented locally.

The Resident Representative pointed out that youth are disproportionately involved as perpetrators and victims of crime and violence yet, rarely lead the interventions designed to address this issue. “Addressing systemic inequalities, especially those faced by marginalized youth is therefore a critical input into the comprehensive approach being taken to reducing crime and violence,” she said.

Other dignitaries addressing the Summit included Director and Representative, UNESCO Caribbean Cluster Office, Saadia Sanchez Vegas; Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr Wayne Henry; RISE Life Management Services’ Executive Director, Sonita Abrahams; and Chairman of the PSOJ’s National Security & Justice committee, Lt. Commander George Overton.

The Summit was supported by UNDP under the auspices of the AYVA project in partnership with the Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, UNESCO Caribbean, Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, Planning institute of Jamaica and RISE Life Management Services.

Youth groups presenting included the grant-funded AYVA organizations: I-SEEED Youths; Youth Inspiring Positive Change Ja. Ltd | YIPCJA (Positive ORG); Bully Proof Kids International (BPKI); National Police Youth Club Council Of Jamaica (NPYCCJ) Total Health Services; Norwood Community Development Benevolent Society (NCDCBS); The Every Mikkle Foundation; Called to Lead Jamaica; The Jahmekya Project and Youth For Development Network; Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP). They were joined by Youths For Excellence, a regional youth NGO headquartered in Jamaica.