From Malaysia to the UN: A Young Peacebuilder’s Fight For Disarmament

“Just because we are not at war, it doesn’t mean we are at peace.”

These words from Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the UN have lingered in my mind since my early days of activism. They remind me that true safety isn’t just the absence of conflict — it’s a lasting peace for future generations. As young people, we are not just beneficiaries of peace; we are architects of it.

Hello and salam sejahtera! I’m Elisa Shafiqah, Asia Representative on the International Steering Group of UNOY Peacebuilders. My peacebuilding journey began with Malaysian Youth Diplomacy (MyDiplomacy) where I’ve mobilized over 3,500 Malaysian youth voices on issues like youth empowerment, peace processes, and security discourse. This is my story of finding my voice in peace and disarmament — a journey I hope will inspire others to take action.

Bridging the Gaps in Peacebuilding

Growing up in Southeast Asia, discussions about peace often focus on education, climate change, and sustainable development. However, one critical aspect is frequently overlooked — militarization and weapons proliferation. It was through my engagement with MyDiplomacy that I realized this gap. Disarmament and arms control were often considered the domain of senior policymakers, as if reserved for what I call the ‘big boys’ department’, leaving young voices unheard.

For me, peacebuilding and disarmament are not idealistic pursuits; they are deeply personal — they determine whether communities live free from fear and violence. Malaysia, though not directly impacted by war, still carries indirect impacts of nuclear testing and colonial militarization. These remnants serve as stark reminders of why disarmament matters.

Determined to take action, I explored it with friends through MyDiplomacy after serving as Malaysia’s inaugural UN Youth Delegate. We researched Malaysia’s stance at the national, regional and international levels. The policy landscape was complex, but the more I delved in, the clearer it became: youth’s perspectives were absent.

Elisa as Malaysia’s inaugural UN Youth Delegate

Finding Strength in a Global Community

My participation in the UNOY Young Peacebuilders Forum in September 2023 was a turning point. Engaging in interactive discussions and skill-building workshops reinforced my belief that youth can lead the role in shaping peacebuilding policies. It also showed me that I wasn’t alone — there was a global community of young peacebuilders working towards the same goals, which renewed my spirit and confidence.

Elisa at the UNOY Young Peacebuilders’ Forum, September 2023

Shortly after, I represented MyDiplomacy at the 2nd Meeting of State Parties (2MSP) of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2023. There, I joined the Youth MSP and addressed the UN, advocating for youth inclusion in peace processes and disarmament. Speaking before seasoned diplomats was both daunting and empowering. I realized my presence was not just about my personal journey but also amplifying the voices of countless young people who believe in a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Elisa speaking at the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Turning Advocacy into Action

Beyond attending high-level meetings, I sought to translate advocacy into action. I was invited to join the Informal Working Group for the 3rd Meeting of State Parties (3MSP) and collaborate with the UN First Committee to develop a framework for Peace & Disarmament Education. With UNOY’s support and resources, I helped mobilize youth organizations globally to champion inclusive youth participation in disarmament dialogues. We worked across time zones to say — we’re not just asking for a seat at the table, we’re demanding to co-design the decisions that shape our future.

A pivotal moment in my journey was visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the summer of 2024 through the UNODA Young Leader Fund. Meeting hibakusha (survivors of nuclear bombings and testing) was a stark reminder that disarmament is not just about treaties and negotiations — it’s about protecting people. Their testimonies underscored that nuclear weapons are not just political tools but existential threats, reinforcing the urgency of our work.

Building a Future Where Peace is a Reality

With UNOY and MyDiplomacy, I’ve worked to integrate UNSCR 2250 (the UN resolution on youth, peace, and security) into local and regional peacebuilding efforts. This includes addressing militarization’s impacts to Malaysian youth, and strengthening youth-led initiatives in arms control and preventing and countering violent extremism along Malaysia’s borders with Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia’s maritime domains.

Through peer learning exchanges and strategic collaborations with UNOY’s network members, we bridge global disarmament discussions with on-the-ground realities, ensuring young voices are not just heard but acted upon. Our vision is clear: a world where young people lead sustainable development, reduce conflicts, and make peace a living reality.

Be Part of the Movement

As global tensions from Myanmar to Palestine, Ukraine to South Sudan and beyond continue to devastate communities, we must shift resources from militarization to sustainable development and youth protection. The challenges are vast, but we are not powerless.

Whether you’re new to peacebuilding or a longtime ally of youth-led movements, there are tangible ways to take action:

Engage with the Work: Follow UNOY, MyDiplomacy and Disarmament Doves to stay engaged with the implementation of UNSCR2250 in multi-level.
Explore Global Disarmament: Learn about efforts like TPNW and #YouthForDisarmament initiatives, which align UNGA Resolution 78/31 on youth, disarmament and non-proliferation.
Listen to Survivors: Attend local youth peacebuilding events to gain first hand stories from communities affected by war and arms, which offer crucial insights into why peacebuilding efforts must be grounded in lived experiences within your region.
Take Action Locally: Get involved in youth-led campaigns pushing for youth voices to be meaningfully included in arms control, disarmament and broader peace and security efforts, in line with UNSCR2250.

Together, we can create a future free from fear — a world where peace is the foundation of every generation’s story. Let’s work together to create a world free from the fear of war and weapons, where peace is not just a goal but a reality.

Written by Elisa Shafiqah, Malaysian Youth Diplomacy