Empowering Youth to Create a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa

Robin McDonough

January 2, 2025

Youth have the power to drive positive change and create a peaceful and prosperous Africa through inclusive growth and sustainable development. Recognizing this, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with the Centre for Peace and Sustainable Development and other civil society organizations to convene the fourth Extraordinary Summit of the Youth Model African Union. The intensive three-day program was held from November 28 to 30, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria bringing together youth from diverse ethnoreligious and cultural backgrounds across Nigeria and other African countries to engage in a simulation of the African Union.

A classroom setting with students raising hands and engaging in discussion. Two presenters at the front have a projector displaying slides.

GPF Nigeria hosts Youth Model African Union

The opening session was held at the Conference Hall of the Centre for Peace and Sustainable Development and was well attended by government dignitaries, civil society organizations, and Nigeria’s organized private sector. The Centre’s Director and summit convenor, Igweshi Augustine, welcomed the attendees by acknowledging GPF Nigeria for its tremendous support in making the summit a reality. He also recognized the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) for opening its doors and the support of the Youth Ministry in Africa for their “demonstrated enthusiasm and passion for a peaceful, secured and developed continent.”

Representing the Director General of the IPCR, Olalekan Babatunde expressed his organization’s gratitude for being part of the event as it strongly aligned with the Institute’s belief in the ability of young people to create positive change and promote a peaceful and prosperous Africa coinciding with the summit’s theme. Mr. Babatunde stated, “The energy and intelligence of the youth, the majority of whom suffer from societal problems, is fundamental to addressing those challenges.” He further emphasized that the engagement of youth is critical to curtailing the growing violence that is preventing progress and development in Africa.

Continuing the discussion on the impact of violence in undermining peace, security, and development in Africa, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, country director of GPF Nigeria, underscored the importance of increasing awareness of the correlation between the growing use of small arms and weapons in Africa and increased conflict. He called on guests and delegates to “imagine an Africa where schools are not shut down by gunfire, where markets thrive without fear of violence, and where communities are united by hope rather than divided by conflict.” Rev. Hayab emphasized that through collaboration and decisive actions, Africans and their leaders can end the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, concluding that, “Together, we can create a continent where peace reigns, development thrives, and every African and visitors of Africa live with dignity.”

A group of people in a conference room sit at desks, wearing matching shirts and badges. Two women in the foreground are engaged in conversation. A banner for a peace foundation is visible.

Young Nigerians discuss sustainable development in Youth Model African Union

Preceding the youth delegates’ participation in the African Union Assembly simulation, representatives of the Hon. Minister for Youth Affairs, the Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Education opportunities, the Special Adviser to the Speaker, Nigeria’s House of Representative, Nigeria’s Miss Humanity, the Embassies of Ireland and Mexico, and other organizations expressed their goodwill messages. Advocating for African youth to actively engage in decision-making, governance, and peacebuilding, they challenged the youth to aspire to be both leaders of today and tomorrow.

The young participants actively engaged in the simulation of the African Union Peace and Security Council, panel discussions, diplomatic engagements, and committee sessions during the summit’s second and third days. The event concluded with the adoption of a Draft Resolution detailing the viewpoints of the African Youth on Peace and Security, a cultural performance, a presentation of awards, and a reception. It is anticipated that the Draft Resolution will be shared with other countries to express the voices of African youth on addressing regional peace and security.

Several participants expressed their gratitude for the three-day summit. Josephine Wisdom from Sierra Leone noted her appreciation for the opportunity to interact with youth from other locations, engage in the various simulations, increase her understanding of the challenges facing Africa, and collaborate on solutions. According to Hiwut Tariku from Guinea, “The interesting thing about the simulation is the fact that I represented a different country from my nationality which led me to intensive research, thereby broadening my understanding of Africa.”

Group of people in white shirts working together on laptops at a conference table with flags and water bottles.

Young Nigerians discuss sustainable development in Youth Model African Union

Youth involvement is essential to promote collaborative solutions to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Africa through inclusive growth and sustainable development. The successful outcome of the fourth Extraordinary Summit of the Youth Model African Union to foster civil responsibility, a sense of ownership, and a spirit of service is a prime example of empowering young people to become peacebuilders in their communities and society. As such, GPF Nigeria will continue to advocate for the involvement of youth as positive change agents to counter violence and insecurity.