4th Youth Model AU Summit Raises Youth Voices in Africa’s Peace, Security Spaces

The 4th Extraordinary Summit of the Youth Model African Union, held November 28 – 30 in Abuja, Nigeria, spotlighted the voices of Africa’s youth and their indispensable role in shaping a peaceful and prosperous continent.

The Youth Model AU Summit which featured simulated proceedings, plenaries, extraordinary sessions, and committee meetings of the African Union was themed: “A Peaceful and Prosperous Africa Based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.”

It was aimed at acquainting young Africans with the operations of the African Union while building their skills in diplomacy, leadership, lobbying, and international relations. With more than 400 million young people aged between the ages of 15 to 35 years, Africa is home to the world’s youngest population. If harnessed, this population represents an immense potential for economic growth.

Accordingly, the Summit emphasized the urgency of harnessing this demographic potential to drive sustainable development, urging young people to unite and take an active role in decision-making processes. The Summit’s core mission was equipping African youth with the tools to drive sustainable peace, inclusive growth, and a prosperous future for the continent.

It also availed the youth delegates an opportunity to explore their role in shaping Africa’s future, focusing on policymaking, economic development, and peacebuilding. One of the summit’s key objectives was to help its delegates identify their countries’ security challenges and propose practical solutions.

Peace and Security: A Cornerstone of Economic Growth

While addressing the 4th Extraordinary Youth Model AU Summit, Casmir Nnamani Nike, Nigeria’s Representative in the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN), emphasized the role of peace and security in Africa’s quest for inclusive growth and development.

“How can African Union and United Nations action plans on peace and security be effectively implemented? Why has the implementation lagged despite domestication by countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa? What are the strategies we need to adopt to address the ongoing crises in border regions and widespread insecurity across the continent?” Nike asked the youth delegates.

He also reiterated the importance of integrating youth at grassroots levels in peace processes through community engagement programs that foster peacebuilding and sustainable security initiatives. Central to discussions at the Summit was the UN Security Council Resolution 2250, which asks a pivotal question: “How can youth inclusion be ensured in peace and security efforts?”

Nike believes the answer lies in collective commitment and collaboration to reinforce Africa’s resolve to build a prosperous and sustainable future, underscoring the urgency of advancing these policies. He underlined the fact that Africa cannot achieve inclusive growth and development without prioritizing peace and security.

Mainstreaming Youth Voices in Africa’s Peace, Security Efforts

Elizabeth Ijeoma Akpa, a youth delegate at the Summit, described the Model AU Summit as a unique opportunity to connect with emerging leaders and learn how diplomacy and governance work real-time. She described the summit’s policy propositions as enriching to ongoing deliberations on implementing and strengthening the role of youth in Africa’s peace and security space.

“We’ve been divided into regional blocs to draft a resolution that could be presented to the African Union. It’s an accurate representation of youth aspirations and intentions across the continent. Many youths don’t know this opportunity exists. The organizers should work harder to reach more people so African youth can better understand and influence governance,” Akpa said.

Another delegate, Patricia Amogu, echoed these sentiments and stressed the need for inclusive policies that address the needs of vulnerable groups and promote youth leadership in peace and security.

“This gathering is about projecting Africa’s challenges and brainstorming strategies to strengthen peace, empower marginalized communities, and mobilize youth. We’re discussing ways to remove small arms, promote industrialization, and ensure youth are included in leadership decisions. The time for action is now,” Apogu remarked.

The Summit concluded with a collective sense of purpose and renewed hope. Delegates left inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to contribute towards addressing the continent’s pressing development challenges. The summit not only spotlighted the voices of Africa’s youth but also emphasized their indispensable role in shaping a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future for the continent.

The Summit also explored how international funding from entities such as the UN Peacebuilding Fund could be mobilized to support peace and security programs across Africa. These programs, they argued, must be tailored to address local challenges while promoting broader regional stability.

The climax of the summit was the adoption of a resolution that was ratified through a voting process. A draft resolution was first put forward by each bloc of countries, culminating in a unified document. The outcome document will serve as a policy recommendation for mainstreaming youth participation in peacebuilding efforts on the continent.

A consensus reached among the youth delegates was a shared recognition of the challenges of youth participation in the peace process, underscoring the collective need for action youth inclusion in the continent’s peace and security processes. As resolutions of the Youth Model AU Summit are forwarded to the African Union, the expectation is that they will transform into tangible policies that empower youth, foster peace, and drive Africa’s sustainable development.