Nairobi: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) urged young people across the region to take a central role in building and sustaining peace, emphasizing that lasting stability is unattainable without their active involvement.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the IGAD Youth Peace and Security Conference has officially kicked off today in Nairobi, Kenya. Supported by the Japanese government, the IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, opened the conference with a powerful call to action. He highlighted the potential impact of a single individual on global peace in today’s digital age, urging the youth to recognize and utilize their power and tools to protect peace.
The IGAD region is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with youth under the age of 30 constituting over 60% of the total population. In some countries within the region, this figure exceeds 75%. Despite presenting both an opportunity and a challenge, the youth continue to face complex and interlinked crises that undermine their potential and increase their vulnerability.
For instance, many young people live in camps, informal settlements, or urban displacement contexts, where they encounter intersecting challenges such as limited access to education and livelihoods, trauma, exclusion from decision-making, and insecurity. However, they also emerge as local peacebuilders, community organizers, educators, and advocates, showcasing their potential to drive positive change in the region.