AFRICAN UNION

UNION AFRICAINE

UNIÃO AFRICANA

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Concept Note

International Day of Peace 2017: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend:

Meaningful Youth Inclusion in Peace-Building”

Introduction:

African Union Heads of State and Government in keeping with Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 on,

“An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people,

especially its women and youth, and caring for children”, recognised the paramount importance

of youths and the need for their meaningful participation in governance, peace and development.

Thus, they dedicated the year 2017 to young Africans under the theme, “Harnessing the

Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth”.

The African Union defines youth as persons between the ages of 18 to 35, and the African Peace

and Security Architecture (APSA), which is the continent’s blueprint for peace, guided by

Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 for, “A peaceful and secure Africa”, encourages all stakeholders to

support continental efforts to, “silence the guns”, thus effectively ending violent conflicts.

Article 17 of the African Youth Charter recognises the important role that youth play in

promoting peace and non-violence and stresses the need to strengthen the capacity of young

people and youth organisations in conflict prevention, resolution and post-conflict

reconstruction. It should also be noted that a well oriented youth can play a vital role in

neutralizing the increasing growth and spate of violent extremism.

In December 2015, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a landmark resolution

on Youth, Peace and Security. The UNSC Resolution 2250 which advocates for increased

inclusion of youths in conflict and post conflict situations, puts youth at the centre of processes

and policies for peace, security and sustainable development. UNSCR 2250 mainly based on the

role of youths in Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), calls on Member States and all

stakeholders to ensure the: i) Meaningful participation of youths in decision-making at all levels

(grassroots national, inter-governmental); ii) Protection of civilians, including youths and

protection from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV); iii) Spaces and

recognition to youth to prevent all forms of violence (direct, cultural and structural) and in

conflict transformation; iv) Building partnership to fully support youth initiatives and ensure

quality education, youth employment, empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The United Nations (UN) has dedicated the 2017 International Day of Peace (Peace Day) under

the theme, “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”, in honour of refugees and

migrants, especially those forced to flee their homes as a result of armed conflict. Following the

AU Heads of State decision to dedicate 2017 to youths, the Peace and Security Department

(PSD) in collaboration with other Departments and external partners propose to commemorate

the International Day of Peace under the theme, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend:

Meaningful Youth Inclusion in Peace-Building”.

Rationale:

Young people make up more than half of Africa’s total population with an estimated 60% of the

continent’s population currently 24 years and below. From a demographic point of view, a

youth–centred peace and security agenda is both necessary and expedient. Yet, the young

vacillate between the two extremes of infantilizing or demonizing. Young people have often

been “othered” in the discourse on conflict, viewed as a dangerous subject and policy approaches

often regard them as a problem, or burden or victims. UNSCR 2250 sets an important paradigm

shift towards the recognition and support of youth agency in peacebuilding while transforming a

predominantly negative discourse. With challenges such as illiteracy and unemployment, it is

critical to harness this demographic dividend with quality education, health and well-being, good

governance, human rights and accountability, employment opportunities, leadership skills,

empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Without recognising youth as key political actors their trajectories in peacebuilding would likely

be ignored, wasted or under-utilised in the promotion of sustainable peace and development. It is

therefore critical for all stakeholders to examine the provisions of this landmark resolution, work

tirelessly in synergy and explore opportunities to jointly implement UNSCR 2250 for sustainable

and inclusive peace and development across Africa.

Goal and objectives:

The AU PSD and partners (internal and external) will convene a panel discussion on Peace Day

under the above theme to raise awareness on AU instruments on Youth, Peace and Security and

UNSCR 2250, and to push for its rapid implementation in Member-States facing armed threats

or actively working to prevent conflicts.

The specific objectives include:

i. To raise awareness on relevant AU Instruments and UNSCR 2250 on youth, peace

and security.

ii. To strengthen knowledge on APSA and AGA by partners and young people on

engagement opportunities for youth at local, continental and international levels.

iii. To encourage partnerships between PSD, young people and relevant stakeholders for

the immediate and full implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda in

Africa.

iv. To create a forum to encourage young people through intergenerational dialogues to

venture into all aspects and studies of peace and security in order to ensure proper

skills transfer and thus achieve a peaceful and prosperous Africa.

v. To promote youth ownership of UNSCR 2250 and AU Instruments on Youth, Peace

and Security

Expected outcomes:

i. Enhanced awareness on relevant AU Instruments and UNSCR 2250 on youth,

peace and security.

ii. Increased knowledge on APSA and AGA as well as identification of opportunities

for youth and partners at local, continental and international levels.

iii. Partnerships are created between PSD, young people and relevant stakeholders for

the immediate and full implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda

in Africa.

iv. More young people to venture into all aspects and studies of peace and security in

order to ensure proper skills transfer and thus contribute to a peaceful and

prosperous Africa.

v. More youth engaging and taking the lead on CVE and other peacebuilding

programmes.

Activities:

I. Panel Discussion on, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend: Meaningful

Youth Inclusion in Peace-Building”

On Thursday September 21, 2017 (TBC), a panel discussion on the above theme will see the

participation youth organisations, civil society and the AU and UN, who will discuss on the

following topics:

i.) Participation: Meaningful participation of youths in decision-making at all levels (local,

national, and international);

ii.) Protection: Protection of civilians, including youths and protection from all forms of

sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV);

iii.) Prevention: Giving spaces and recognition to youth to prevent all forms of violence

(direct, cultural and structural) and in conflict transformation;

iv.) Partnership: Building partnerships to fully support youth initiatives and ensure quality

education, youth employment and empowerment;