Nairobi, Kenya – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) officially launched its Youth, Peace, and Security Conference in Nairobi, an event designed to amplify the role of young people in shaping a more stable and prosperous future for the region. The two-day conference, which concludes today, has drawn hundreds of youth leaders, experts, and political figures from IGAD member states, all committed to fostering youth participation in peace-building and governance.
The opening ceremony featured prominent speakers, including IGAD’s Secretary General, Mr. Workneh Gebeyehu, and the Kenyan Minister for Youth, Innovation, and Sports, Mr. Salim Mvurya. A key highlight of the inaugural session was a compelling address by IGAD Youth Representative Sam Ogwal, who urged young people to take the lead in developing sustainable solutions for their communities.
The first day was dedicated to a series of panel discussions, delving into critical topics such as youth involvement in formal peace processes, their role in ensuring peaceful elections, and the utilization of digital platforms as tools for peace-building. The discussions provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and develop concrete strategies for greater youth engagement.
Organized by the IGAD Gender Office in collaboration with the Peace and Security and Health and Social Development Departments, the conference is part of a broader initiative to align with the IGAD Youth Plan (2021-2030) and the United Nations Youth, Peace, and Security agenda. The ultimate goal is to produce a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the influence of youth in decision-making and peace-building efforts across the IGAD region.
