Burundi is hosting the third edition of the Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace, and Security, which kicked off on Thursday for a two-day session. The event brings together African youth to discuss their role in shaping the continent’s future, with a focus on peacebuilding and employment creation.
In his opening speech, President Evariste Ndayishimiye emphasized the critical role of African youth in consolidating peace across the continent. He acknowledged the challenges young people face, particularly the lack of employment opportunities, which sometimes leads them to join groups that destabilize security.
To ensure social cohesion and peace, President Ndayishimiye stressed the need to unlock the full potential of youth as essential members of society and peacebuilders. “The future of Africa’s youth as a demographic dividend depends on quality education and the right skills to navigate today’s globalized and competitive world,” he said.
The president also called on young people to shift their focus from seeking employment to creating their own jobs. “Why are so many degrees gathering dust, while youth, who are naturally dynamic, innovative, and full of life, continue to face unemployment?” he questioned.
For his part, the UNDP Resident Representative in Burundi, Mathieu Ciowela, emphasized that this dialogue, organized for its third edition, “highlights education as a lever to transform African youth into key actors of peace and security for development,”
The Burundian president concluded by urging African countries to focus on promoting peace education and equipping young people with the necessary skills to foster peace, not just for themselves but for the world they belong to. “The Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace, and Security provides a platform for exchange, reflection, and collaboration, empowering youth to become active participants in peace and development,” he said.
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