Creating a World for All Ages

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15 Aug 2022

Creating a World for All Ages

UNIFIL’s Indonesian Battalion took this year’s theme of International Youth Day, 12 August, to heart and organized an event welcoming youth from Souaneh village in South Lebanon.

This year’s theme, Intergenerational Solidarity, takes its cue from the age-old problem of ageism. The World Health Organization defines ageism as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination directed towards others or oneself, based on age.

In the village of Souaneh, the Indonesian Battalion invited local people of all ages, including youth ranging in age from 8 to 16 years. Working with local environmental organizations the peacekeepers organized a multifaceted event that included educational activities, games, drawing and painting workshops, cooking and more.

“We were happy to be here as peacekeepers. Cross-generational solidarity was the key to sustainable development. As the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its third year, it was critically important to recognize and overcome these age-related barriers so that we can harness the strengths and knowledge of all generations” said LtCol Yoyok from Indobatt.

The event, which was attended by around forty local residents and a few members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, was a Civil and Military Coordination (CIMIC) program, an integral part of UNIFIL’s activities in line with Security Council Resolution 1701.