The African Union (AU) is set to convene the 3rd edition of the Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace, and Security in Bujumbura, Burundi, on December 12-13, 2024. This year’s event will focus on the theme: “Empowering African Youth for Peace: Education and Enhanced Coordination as a Catalyst for the Implementation of the Continental Youth, Peace and Security Agenda.”
With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25, the role of youth in shaping the continent’s future has never been more critical. Despite notable strides in democracy, economic growth, and regional integration, many African nations continue to face challenges related to armed conflict, political instability, and rising extremism. These crises disproportionately affect young people, women, and children, creating an urgent need for youth-driven peace-building initiatives.
The AU has long recognized the importance of youth in peace and security, with initiatives like the 2006 African Charter on Youth and the establishment of Youth for Peace Africa (Y4P). More recently, the implementation of the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security (CFYPS) has made significant progress, including the adoption of National Action Plans (NAPs) on youth, peace, and security in some countries.
Nonetheless, the AU has acknowledged that only two countries, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have fully adopted their NAPs. At its 1243rd meeting in November 2024, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) urged member states to intensify efforts in this area.
“The need for continued collaboration among the AU, youth networks, and member states is crucial for advancing the Youth, Peace and Security agenda,” said Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. “This dialogue will serve as a platform to assess progress, share best practices, and explore strategies for empowering youth to become active agents of peace.”
The two-day dialogue will bring together over 1,200 participants, including AU leaders, youth ambassadors, government officials, civil society representatives, and youth from across the continent. Key topics will include the challenges and opportunities in implementing the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, and how to strengthen collaboration between the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and youth-focused organizations.
One of the primary goals of this year’s dialogue is to explore how peace education can be integrated into school curricula across Africa. The AU has emphasized the need for educational reforms that equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in peace-building efforts at all levels.
“The role of education in fostering a culture of peace can’t be overstated,” said Adeoye. “By equipping young people with the tools to resolve conflicts non-violently and critically assess the roots of injustice, we can lay the groundwork for sustainable peace in Africa.”
The dialogue will be organized into two main sessions: the first focusing on the broader landscape of youth, peace, and security in Africa, and the second dedicated to the integration of peace education in African schools. Panels will include discussions on the implementation of the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, the role of the Pan-African Youth Union (PYU), and strategies to mobilize resources for youth-led peace-building initiatives.
On the final day, participants will engage in a high-level discussion on how to mainstream peace education in school curricula and assess the progress of peace education programs across member states. This session will feature experts from UNESCO and the AU, as well as youth leaders who have been active in promoting peace education.
The event will be hosted at the Kiriri Presidential Palace and will be conducted both in-person and virtually, with side events and meetings to allow for deeper engagement on specific issues. The African Union has partnered with the government of Burundi to fund the event, with extra support from various international partners.
Furthermore to the dialogues and discussions, the event will coincide with the 4th edition of Innovation Week, which will run from December 9 to 11, 2024, with a focus on youth innovation and entrepreneurship. The closing session of the Continental Dialogue will feature the awarding of prizes to the winners of the Innovation Week Competition.
As the African Union continues its efforts to make youth a central force in building peace and security on the continent, the 3rd Continental Dialogue is seen as a crucial step in furthering the collective vision of a peaceful and prosperous Africa led by its youth.
Expected Participants Include Burundi president and AU Champion for Youth, Peace, and Security Evariste Ndayishimiye, H.E. Bankole Adeoye the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security and other dignitaries.
The event promises to be a major milestone in the AU’s efforts to empower African youth as leaders in the continent’s peace and security initiatives.
