The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) recently participated in a two day Strategic Stakeholder Dialogue on youth focused peacebuilding. The dialogue brought together key actors across government and development sectors to strengthen collaboration and improve approaches to building sustainable peace in Nigeria.
The engagement was convened by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in partnership with UNESCO, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, UNICEF Nigeria, and other development partners. Discussions focused on the need for a more coordinated national framework that places young people at the center of peacebuilding efforts.
Throughout the dialogue, participants examined ongoing challenges affecting the effectiveness of youth centered peacebuilding initiatives. Key issues included limited economic opportunities that increase youth vulnerability, gaps in grassroots inclusion especially at the ward level, and weak coordination among stakeholders which often leads to duplication of efforts.
AYGF actively contributed to these discussions by highlighting critical gaps within the current peacebuilding ecosystem and sharing insights from its work at the community level. The organization also took part in shaping practical recommendations and contributing to the development of emerging guidelines aimed at improving implementation and accountability.
A key message from the dialogue was clear. Sustainable peace requires more than conversations. It demands concrete action and a deliberate effort to position young people as active participants in peace processes rather than passive beneficiaries.
AYGF remains committed to promoting coordinated and locally driven approaches that strengthen youth inclusion, build community resilience, and support long term peace and national development.
