On 23 November 2023, ACCORD gave a virtual presentation at a skills-building dialogue for the Executive Members of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Regional Multi-functional Youth Forum (RMYF), which was hosted in Dar es Salaam from 22 to 24 November 2023.
The event was co-convened by the ICGLR RMYF, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region. The dialogue aimed to equip the 12 executive members of the ICGLR RMYF with information and skills that will enable them to mobilize fellow young peacebuilders at national and regional levels to effectively engage in the various political and peace processes in the region.
ACCORD’s Senior Programme Officer, Ms Savannah Wilmot, shared insights and recommendations gained from the various youth, peace, and security dialogues hosted by ACCORD in the past. Some of the insights shared include the need to ensure that youth participation is inclusive and deeply integrated into dialogues. This is important so that young people do not inherit socio-economic and political problems that could have been avoided through their involvement in building solutions. Ms Wilmot emphasized the importance of intergenerational conversations to bring together the experience, wisdom, and skills of different generations for problem-solving. These kinds of conversations help support youth participation in a manner that involves intergenerational collaboration and mentorship. Ms Wilmot further highlighted how technology, despite its limitations, has made it increasingly easier to engage youth through various internet forums and social media platforms. Facilitating the engagement of the youth is therefore not only fundamental to achieving their meaningful participation and allowing them to act as partners in development, but it is also very doable.
The presentation was also an opportunity to put forward recommendations to guide the ICGLR RMYF’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in the region. As such, the event aligned with ACCORD’s strategic objectives to enhance the roles of youth in responding to complex conflicts.
