Bridging Informal and Formal Politics: Narratives of Youth Peacebuilders in Mindanao

How do young people in conflict and post-conflict settings move from informal peace practices to formal political roles? This paper explores how youth in Mindanao, Southern Philippines, bridge these two areas, contributing to peacebuilding in personal and institutional spaces.

In their families and communities, young people practice everyday peace, using persistence, negotiation, and solidarity. These informal are not confined within their immediate surroundings; they extend into formal spaces like schools, youth councils, civic organizations, and government programs. Their involvement illustrates how informal peace practices can shape formal strategies for preventing violence and promoting inclusion.

The paper also looks at how formal political roles help strengthen these everyday practices. Through participation in local governance, international exchanges, and advocacy, youth address deeper issues of conflict and violence. Their experiences show how informal skills prepare them to engage effectively in political processes, helping to create long-lasting peace.

This research argues that the line between informal and formal peacebuilding is flexible, with youth playing crucial roles in both areas. By navigating between these spaces, they demonstrate the connection between personal peace efforts and formal political action. Their ability to work in both informal community settings and formal political roles underscores the importance of recognizing youth as essential partners in peacebuilding.

This study adds to global youth studies by showing how young people’s actions in both informal and formal spheres help build peace in conflict-affected regions like Mindanao.