We are thrilled to announce that the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY), alongside Accept International and the University of Ottawa, is co-hosting a symposium at the Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS) on November 24, 2025. The symposium is titled “The Role of International Norms and Global Agendas in Transforming Youth Combatants into Unique Agents of Peace“. GTY member Ahmed Hamed will participate virtually to offer insight into his personal story as a former child soldier in Yemen. Besides Mr. Ahmed, Dr. Yosuke Nagai, Executive Director of Accept International and Founder of the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY), will participate as a speaker by drawing on his frontline experience in conflict zones as well as findings from his research to discuss the need for an international legal framework for youth combatants.
[Date & Time]
Monday, November 24, 2025, 4:00 to 6:00 pm EST.
[Venue]
- In-Person Attendance: Social Sciences Building FSS 4007, 120 University Private, Ottawa University
- Remote Attendance: Online via link.
Please register your attendance, both in-person and remote, via the link on this website:
*There are no current plans to release the archived recording.
[Speakers]
– Dr. Yosuke Nagai – Executive Director of Accept International and Founder of GTY
– Prof. Nisha Shah – CIPS Associate Director at the University of Ottawa
– Prof. Justin Piché – Associate Professor, Department of Criminology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa
– Ms. Sandra Maignant – Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed groups Advisor at Plan International
– Mr. Ahmed Hamed – Former Member of Houthi (Ansar Allah) in Yemen and Member of the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants
[Moderator]
–Prof. Scott E. Simon – Professor in the School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, co-holder of the Chair in Taiwan Studies, research member of CIPS and the HRREC, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute
[Remarks]
–The Honourable Rob Oliphant – Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, Ontario, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
[Audience]
Open to the public
[Background]
Unlike children, who are protected under international norms such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, or young individuals supported by international agendas including Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), YANSAG often remain largely unrecognised in existing frameworks. Dr. Nagai’s work provides new insights into this often-overlooked issue and fosters critical discussions on reintegration, care, empowerment, and the development of stronger international norms to support YANSAG in fulfilling their unique potential as agents of peace.
We look forward to seeing you at this event!
