GPF Nigeria participated in a recent national conference on peacebuilding.
On September 10, 2024, the National Conference on Peacebuilding, Conflict Management, and Digital Opportunities among Nigerian Youth took place at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria. This event marked a significant moment for Nigerian youth, faith leaders, and digital entrepreneurs, who came together to explore how the digital economy can contribute to peacebuilding and conflict management.
The conference, supported by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria and various governmental and civil society organizations, focused on creating pathways for Nigerian youth to access digital job opportunities while promoting peace. GPF Nigeria has been instrumental in promoting peacebuilding and conflict management through its innovative, values-based approach. At the heart of GPF Nigeria’s work is the integration of interfaith leadership, family strengthening, and service to the community, which were key themes of the conference.
One of the conference’s central themes was interfaith leadership. Recognizing the importance of collaboration across religious divides, the event fostered dialogue between Christian and Muslim leaders, creating an environment for open communication. The conference showed how young people from diverse faith backgrounds could work together to promote peace and tackle challenges like unemployment and extremism.
GPF Nigeria Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab (right) with Canadian High commisioner to Nigeria Mr. Jamie Chistoff.
A key highlight of the conference was the connection between peacebuilding and the digital economy. With the rise of online platforms and digital markets, young Nigerians have the opportunity to engage in remote work and entrepreneurial ventures. The conference provided participants with training and information on how digital skills like web development, digital marketing, and content creation could be leveraged for both economic empowerment and peace promotion.
Digital peace ambassadors emerged from the conference, using social media platforms to foster dialogue and combat extremism. These ambassadors are expected to promote messages of peace and tolerance across Nigeria’s online spaces, further reducing religious tensions and contributing to social cohesion.
The role of families in peacebuilding was also highlighted during the event. Families were identified as critical in nurturing values of peace, nonviolence, and economic empowerment. By supporting youth in accessing digital job opportunities, families can become pillars of community resilience. The digital economy provides an avenue for young people to contribute to their households, reducing the tension caused by unemployment and idleness.
The conference’s long-term impact is clear. Increased trust between religious groups, greater youth involvement in peacebuilding efforts, and improved family communication are some of the tangible outcomes. Participants left the conference equipped with new skills and perspectives on how to contribute to national development.
The Nigerian government, in partnership with civil society and international bodies, is committed to sustaining the initiatives launched at the conference. By integrating digital job opportunities with peacebuilding efforts, Nigeria can ensure that its youth are not only employed but also engaged in promoting stability and unity across the nation.
Notable guests at the conference, including representatives from the Canadian and Bangladeshi High Commissions, emphasized the role of Nigerian youth in shaping the nation’s future.
“Nigerian youth are a critical asset to the country’s development. Canada is proud to support initiatives that empower young people, especially in the digital sphere,” Mr. Jamie Christoff, the Canadian High Commissioner, stated.
The conference was also aligned with Nigeria President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for job creation. Dr. Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator of NATEP, highlighted that the National Talent Export Program (NATEP) aims to create one million jobs for Nigerian youth, harnessing the country’s vibrant human capital.
By linking peacebuilding with digital job creation, Nigeria is setting the stage for a future where its youth are both economically empowered and active contributors to peace. GPF Nigeria’s initiatives aim to reduce religious tensions, promote dialogue, and create economic opportunities, linking digital jobs to the broader goal of national peace and development. Through this conference, GPF Nigeria demonstrated its commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous future for Nigerian youth, ensuring they play a critical role in both economic growth and conflict resolution.
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