August 14, 2025 (Nairobi, Kenya): IGAD through its Peace and Security Division in collaboration with the IGAD Gender Affairs Programme, convened the Youth Peace and Security Conference. The two-day conference brought together youth peace builders, policymakers, civil society representatives, and development partners to advance the youth, peace, and security (YPS) agenda in the region.
With youth under the age of 30 constituting more than 60% of the IGAD region’s population, their leadership and participation in peacebuilding remain critical. Across the IGAD Member States, young people continue to face challenges ranging from conflict and displacement to unemployment, exclusion from governance, and limited civic space. Yet, despite these obstacles, youth across the region have consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and leadership in peace efforts.
Building on the IGAD Youth Policy (2021–2030) and UN Security Council resolutions on Youth, Peace, and Security, the Nairobi conference seeks to amplify youth voices, strengthen networks, and generate policy recommendations that institutionalize youth inclusion in peace and security frameworks.
The conference opened with remarks from H.E Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the IGAD Executive Secretary, and a representative of the Cabinet Secretary for Youth and Sport of the Republic of Kenya, highlighting the importance of structured youth engagement in peacebuilding.
The gathering brought together: Youth peacebuilders and leaders from all IGAD Member States, Representatives from youth-led organisations, CSOs, and regional networks, Refugee youth and cross-border representatives, IGAD officials, government representatives, and policymakers, Development partners, donors, and international organisations, Academics, researchers, and media practitioners. They engaged in interactive panels and dialogues over the two days, discussing:
- Inclusion of Youth in Formal Peace Processes: Examining pathways for representation in mediation and negotiations.
- Youth, Elections, and Peacebuilding: Exploring how young people can safeguard democratic processes and prevent electoral violence.
- The Role of Digital Platforms in Peacebuilding: Assessing how social media and youth storytelling can counter misinformation and foster peace.
- Country Experiences and Youth-Led Solutions: Sharing national best practices and grassroots innovations.
- The Role of Young Women in Peace and Security: Elevating the leadership of women in conflict prevention and resolution.
- Youth-Driven Solutions to Root Causes of Conflict and Displacement: Spotlighting refugee youth and their resilience in peacebuilding.
- High-Level Policy Dialogue: Bringing together IGAD officials, national policymakers, and youth leaders to chart strategies for institutionalising youth participation.
Speaking at the conclusion, Commander Abebe Muluneh, the Peace and Security Division’s Director, lauded the energy and commitment of the youth across the region, urging them to rise as a generation that safeguards peace for a secure future.
The conference was supported by the European Union through the APSA IV Programme, alongside Japan, and Sweden reaffirming collaboration and commitment to empowering youth as key actors in peacebuilding.
