March 20-21, 2022 (Medani, Sudan): The IGAD Mediation Support Unit (MSU) conducted a workshop that included youth groups, women representatives, elders from media, senior political parties’ representatives, academia and retired organized forces, representatives from Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and CSOs working on youth affairs. The 2-day workshop sensitized the elders on enabling youth to participate meaningfully in peace processes and dispute resolution as per UNSC Resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018).
The aim of this inter-generational dialogue was to encourage youth participation in decision-making as per UNSC Resolution 2250 as well bolstering the youth on utilization of dialogue as a tool for fostering inter-generational interface.
Prioritizing the inclusivity, attendance, and participation of women and youth, their ratios were satisfactory and met the affirmative action quota. With youth being 75% and females making 43%
The dialogue was on the current situation in Sudan and its impact on the various generations. At length they conversed on how to promote dialogue between the youth and the elders by creating the necessary safe spaces and encouraging tolerance and patience from the elders. The elders equally requested the same from them and encouraged them to learn more on the history.
Additionally, they dialogued on bridging the generational gap, the relationship between generations, the prospects for its development, the prospects for political participation of youth in Peace and Security Agenda processes, and public policies. The dialogue was channelled to contribute to peacebuilding and civil democratic transformation in Sudan.
At the end of the workshop, participants were able to identify existing mechanisms at a national level and establish instruments for the meaningful participation of youth in peace processes. They also enhanced their knowledge, skills, and experience in engaging youth in peace processes, particularly preventive diplomacy, and mediation.
Generally, there was an increased awareness on adoption and localization of the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and Resolution 2419 by the participants, which guided them in coming up with recommendations and fulfilling their expectations at the end of the dialogue.
This workshop was conducted with the financial support of European Union under the IPPSHAR Program co-implemented with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
