Youth peace activist: “Change starts with young women like us”

Guncha Annageldiyeva, a 26-year-old activist from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, dedicates her work to empowering youth, particularly young women, to engage in sustainable development and peacebuilding. In her roles as Y-PEER International Coordinator and Coordinator of the Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) Alumni Network for the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia(UNRCCA), she mobilized youth to tackle critical issues such as violence against women, sexual and reproductive health rights, and implement the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agendas.

1. What first motivated you to dedicate your work to empowering young women and youth in peacebuilding and sustainable development?

Volunteering since my teenage years significantly shaped my views on world affairs and the role of women in society. While it might sound cliché, that famous desire to contribute to the development of my community was the initial driving force behind my activism. Furthermore, I witnessed first-hand the changes that activism brings about at various levels of development.

Now, I can confidently assert that the power of people-centred grass-roots organizing and a belief in collective transformation are my core motivation, lifelong values and my road map for sustainable development.

2. In your day-to-day work, what does ‘building peace’ actually look like?

It means: being vocal about atrocities that violate international humanitarian law, contributing to shape the moral compass for humanity; advocating for preventive measures against sexual and gender-based violence in conflict and post-conflict zones; prioritizing trauma healing for affected communities; standing by the motto that every action and every voice matters; and it means raising awareness about the existence, importance and ways to be involved in regional and international peacebuilding initiatives.

At the same time, it means: not deprioritizing your own home, family and the people around you; making an effort to listen to the needs and stories of those close to you; rejecting silence and rash decisions in favour of nurturing human relationships; coming, sitting and talking – this, too, is a significant aspect of peace; and, finally, advocating for the support of family values within the development sector and on the world agenda, as this investment is an inevitable part of achieving prosperity for humanity.

3. In 2024, you played a key role in ensuring that the Y-PEER network became a signatory to the global Women, Peace and Security – Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA) Compact. What unique perspectives and solutions do you believe this network can contribute to peacebuilding in the region?

Leading and coordinating grass-roots work across three regions – the Arab States, Central Asia and Eastern Europe – in my 20s, while also contributing to global decision-making platforms as the Y-PEER International Coordinator and facilitating regional youth-led dialogues on peace as the UNRCCA PDA Alumni Network Coordinator, was more than just career growth. It became a part of me, my life. It built me.

Y-PEER is itself a unique network with over 20 years of experience in excelling at peer education. It brings an outstanding perspective to the global WPS-HA Compact through reporting on the work with marginalized communities in different conditions across the Arab States, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Most importantly, this work is done by young people for young people in underrepresented regions.

I have no doubt that the current team of Y-PEER International Coordinators and the upcoming generation will excel in meaningful engagement of diverse communities by leveraging the long-term and action-oriented Y-PEER groundwork into the WPS-HA Compact.

4. If you could give one piece of advice to other young women who want to make a difference in their communities, what would it be?

For those who do activism with a genuine belief in their ideas and values, self-care is significant. Energy, dedication and talent might not be enough. If you don’t take care of yourself, the chances of your activism becoming less effective are high.

Appreciate your local experience – it made you who you are. Also, do not idealize various international platforms, and at the same time, don’t let your unmet expectations ruin your values, dreams and professional aspirations. Constantly bear in mind that, while wholeheartedly acknowledging your path and the results of your hard work, for some of your peers this work is a privilege. Always use your capacities and voice in the service of humanity. Change starts with young women like us.

5. Where do you see yourself in 25 years as a peace activist?

First, I hope I will not have let down my family and those who have supported my journey. As for my professional journey in peacebuilding, I see myself as someone who will have contributed to prioritizing sexual and reproductive health services and awareness within YPS and WPS national action plans.

This story is published as part of "The Past, Present, and Future of Women, Peace, and Security" campaign, commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, to celebrate the power of peace. The campaign aims to foster a deeper dialogue on equality, justice and peace, honoring the legacies and amplifying the voices of 25 trailblazing women from across Europe and Central Asia whose significant contributions have transformed their communities, societies, and beyond. The content reflects the personal views and experiences of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official position of UN Women, its partners, or the United Nations.