International Peace Day, also known as the International Day of Peace, is celebrated annually on September 21. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, this day is dedicated to promoting peace and understanding across nations and among people. The day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. International Peace Day is a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to achieve and maintain peace. It encourages nations and individuals to put aside their differences and work together towards a world where peace prevails. Each year, International Peace Day is observed with a specific theme that addresses current global issues and challenges related to peace and conflict. These themes provide a focal point for discussions, activities, and initiatives that seek to promote peace and resolve conflicts. The 2024 Global Peace Day theme is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”

In the wake of recent protests and social movements in African countries, there is a growing recognition of the need to amplify the voices of youth and harness their energy and creativity to drive a renaissance across the continent. The youth have been at the forefront of demanding change, social justice, and inclusive development, signaling a pivotal moment for promoting the African Renaissance through youth empowerment. Recent and ongoing protests across various African countries, including Kenya, Uganda,  Nigeria, and South Africa, are a testament to the restless spirit of the continent’s youth. These protests, driven by demands for political reform, social justice, better governance, economic opportunities, and an end to systemic issues like police brutality and corruption, highlight the urgent need for young voices to be heard and acted upon. 

In commemoration of this significant day, we aim to celebrate this day by cultivating a culture of Peace and creating a platform where young activists from different African countries can share their experiences, shed light on the causes and impacts of the protests, and discuss ways to channel their energies towards constructive change and promoting the African Renaissance agenda. The webinar will take place on September 19th from 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM EAT. The theme is “Intergenerational Dialogue: Amplifying Youth Voices for African Renaissance.” 

The convergence of young and experienced voices will provide a platform for discussing strategies to promote peace, unity, and collaboration across generations, with a focus on the principles of Ubuntu, humanity towards others, and the African Renaissance. The webinar will consist of panel discussions, interactive sessions, and Q&A opportunities for participants to engage with the speakers and each other.