QUNO presence at African youth peace event
Representatives from the Quaker United Nations Office took part in an African youth peace event in Kenya
Quaker United Nations Office’s (QUNO) representative for peacebuilding, Megan Schmidt, participated in a Dialogue and Exchange Programme (DEP) on the role of young people in the prevention of electoral violence, held in Nairobi, Kenya from
29 June to 1 July.
The DEP brought together over 100 young people from sixteen countries in Africa to discuss how youth contribute to prevention and peace.
Among the DEP’s goals were to connect youth across the continent, equip them through strengthening knowledge and skills for fostering peace, and acknowledge the dynamic work that participants are carrying out in their countries.
Participants reflected on a range of issues, including drivers of conflict, triggers for radicalisation, policies for preventing extremism, and available peace frameworks. QUNO staff delivered a presentation on the UN’s 2030 Agenda, on sustainable development, as a tool for young peacebuilders.
The DEP ended with a peace awards ceremony, with winners being acknowledged for their work to influence peacebuilding in their countries and continent, the holding of a concert for peace, and the convening of a sports for peace event that brought together over 300 young people.
Participants agreed to develop the African Youth Peace Network, an online platform to connect young people working for peace, and adopted a declaration that conveys the mission and goals of the Network.
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