November 25-27 , 2024 (BISHOFTU, Ethiopia): The Peace and Security Division successfully conducted a 3-day Capacity-Building Workshop on Conflict Prevention, Management, and Resolution (CPMR) for Ethiopian youth leaders. The workshop aimed to equip youth leaders with skills and knowledge to promote peace and resolve conflicts, enhance youth leadership in peacebuilding, share best practices for youth in peace promotion, and create awareness on the IGAD Youth Forum for Peace.
The workshop was officially opened by the Director Commander Abebe Muluneh who emphasised; “Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with knowledge and opportunities to thrive.” Also, remarks by Mr. Siraj Abdella Ahmedie, Director of IGAD Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) highlighted the role of youth in peacebuilding.
During Day two of the Capacity-Building Workshop, participants engaged in group work, applying practical Conflict Analysis tools to their real-life scenarios. This exercise tested their understanding of the tools and their usage for future analyses. They participated in insightful presentations on conflict analysis tools, featuring practical and relatable cases. The Youth leaders were empowered with enhanced knowledge and skills in conflict prevention, management, and resolution (CPMR).
On the final day, the participants worked in groups for a simulation exercise to apply dialogue, negotiation, and mediation principles to address and transform conflicts.
They did a practical mediation simulation exercise, role-playing a land and resources conflict between two communities. Present in the mediation process were mediators, conflicting parties, media, observers, and members of the international community, they were actively engaged in applying the CPMR principles they earlier learned. Amidst the negotiations, a session with rising tension between the parties intensified, and the mediators tried their best to bring both parties to a mutual understanding and agreement. After an intense yet fruitful mediation simulation, the delegates representing the conflicting parties celebrated as they put their differences aside and signed a peace agreement.
The closing ceremony featured remarks by the Division’s Director Commander Abebe Muluneh, The IGAD Head of Mission to Ethiopia Mr Abebaw Belachew, the IGAD Youth Envoy Mr Sam Ogwal, and Mr. Siraj Abdella Ahmedie of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of FDRE. Additionally, participants received certificates of participation as they departed with enhanced CPMR knowledge and skills. The activity is a testament to IGAD’s dedication to advancing the Youth Peace and Security agenda. This workshop successfully enhanced the knowledge and skills of youth leaders in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, meeting the workshop’s objective.
This activity is supported by the European Union through the APSA Program.
