; and (I) contributing to improved and more inclusive democracy and governance. (9) Youth are critical actors and partners in development at all levels of society. The meaningful inclusion of youth in the design and delivery of projects and strategies, including those focused on youth, peace, and security, can contribute to better and more sustainable outcomes. (10) Preventive, resilience-based, and cross-cutting youth-inclusive approaches are more effective at reducing physical and psychological violence than hard security responses and at-risk and remedial approaches, which are often counterproductive. (11) Youth who have participated in United States-supported civic engagement and development programs are less likely to participate in or support political violence. (12) Youth participation in the design and implementation of community development strategies is critical for effectively reducing violence and extremism, and increasing young peoples’ education, economic opportunity and empowerment, civic engagement, and positive health outcomes, which can contribute to peace and stability. (13) Young people around the world, particularly adolescent girls and members of the LGBTQI+ community, but also young men and boys, are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence. This includes, but is not limited to, risks associated with technology facilitated violence, such as intimidation, harassment, exploitation, abuse, trafficking, misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, data tracking, and other threats, which warrant increased attention. Such risks also inhibit young peoples’ ability to participate in digital networks, democracy rights and governance and peacebuilding movements. (14) A study by PLAN International, which surveyed girls in 22 countries, found that— (A) 58 percent of respondents reported that they had personally experienced some form of online harassment on social media platforms; (B) activists attracted particular vitriol and attention