Formal Peacebuilding and Youth Inclusion in the Twenty-First Century: The Case of Muslim Mindanao

ABSTRACT

Ragandang focuses on the formal peacebuilding and youth inclusion in Muslim Mindanao during the 21st century. The current realities of the twenty-first-century drive youth inclusion in the formal peacebuilding space. These realities include technological advancement, dangers of violent extremism, population rise of youths, threats of COVID-19, and the gradual aging of peacebuilding adults. Positive intergenerational power dynamics acknowledge young people as core partners in the peace process and not just part of adults' support system. The Mindanao conflict is one of the longest conflicts in the world. It revolves around the quest for self-determination among the Islamized indigenous tribes living on the islands of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. During the Government of the Philippines-MILF peace negotiation, young Moros were part of the secretariat, ensuring that no unnecessary insertions were made. Their technical expertise to use the computer, browse the Web, and digitalize documents lightened the work of the elderly. The presence of young people in the formal peace process maximizes the benefits brought by technology.