Pathway to Become a SOLVER

Youth with high-impact potential to carry out initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts in their settings and communities, living in countries affected by violent conflict (current or past), working on projects related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding or has the potential and vision to do so with the view to improve the situation for themselves, their community or country. Local organizations, other entities, and individuals may also submit nominations for SOLVERs. In this case, they should complete the SOLVER nomination form available here.
Although there is no universally agreed definition of youth, the United Nations defines youth as those persons between 15 and 24 years.

To become a SOLVER, you need to complete an online application form available here. SOLVERs will be selected according to these criteria.

• Be of young age as defined by the United Nations (between the age of 15 and 24), the African Union (15 to 30) and other regional and international bodies
• Be living in countries affected by violent conflict (current or past)
• Affected by violent conflicts (now or in the past)
• Be working on projects or having the potential to work on projects related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding
• Have a vision to improve the situation for yourself, your community, country and region
• Be able to speak at least one of the official United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish)

iSCAN’s aim is to support selected applicants on their pathway to becoming veritable SOLVERs. iSCAN will establish communication with you, offering support, mentorship, training opportunities, connection with other SOLVERs and SOLVE Enablers, and access to resources and partners. iSCAN offers a platform and tools to support you to become a part of conflict prevention and peace building. iSCAN will:

– Build your knowledge and capacity in understanding the nature and impacts of conflicts you are faced with and tools to design solutions by providing scholarships to participate in the SOLVE International Security Academy’s conflict management training.
– Provide you with a platform for connecting with other SOLVERs to exchange experience and knowledge (e.g. activities to keep away from the problems, a peer support to talk to about experience, etc.).
– Provide you with a supporting system (mentorship/guidance) from conflict management experts and peacebuilders.
– Provide you with a platform for connecting with role models and other people with vested interest in resolving conflicts and building peace around the world.
– Facilitate your participation in national, regional, and international fora on peace and security.
– Identify other capacity building and knowledge development opportunities for you on conflict management, human rights, and development.
– Facilitate your information sharing and information access.
– Connect you with other networks of young people from around the world.
– Mobilize support for you from local stakeholders (governments, international organizations, civil society groups, academics, and the private sector) to support your peace initiatives.

A SOLVER is expected to be a peace builder, an ambassador, and champion of peace, carrying out activities as described above, specific to her or his local context. An activity example could be organizing recreational activities for young people affected by conflicts, organizing peace dialogues. Ultimately, as a SOLVER you are expected to contribute to solving conflicts.

For the SOLVERs (immediate impact): Alternative to conflict is given, hope and life purpose is provided, the ability to live a youthful life is provided, the potential to engage in crime and other violent activities is reduced, the potential for social and psychological impact of conflict is reduced, potential to fall in continuous cycle of conflict is reduced.
For the affected communities and country (short term impact): Resilient communities are created and an environment free of violent conflicts and conditions conducive to peace, security and development in the country are established.
For the affected region (medium-term impact): Peace in the region is achieved, allowing societies to live free from violent conflicts and creating conditions conducive to peace, security, and development in the region.
For the international community (long term impact): Global peace and security is maintained, contribution to the implementation of international instruments such as resolution 2250, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals is made.