Nairobi: The Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has launched a regional Youth in Leadership and Peacebuilding Course in Nairobi, Kenya, to deepen youth participation in peace and security processes. It was in partnership with the National Youth Council of Kenya (NYC).
According to Ghana News Agency, the week-long training, which ran from June 23 to 27, 2025, brought together 35 vibrant youth leaders from across Nairobi, other counties in Kenya, and neighbouring Uganda. The training, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), covered a range of transformative topics, including leadership, conflict resolution, policy advocacy, mediation, and civic responsibility.
It was designed to be participatory and practical, reflecting a broader shift toward youth-led transformation and sustainable peace on the continent. With over 75 percent of Africa's population under the age of 35, the initiative responded to the continent's urgent need to harness the potential of young people in preventing conflict and fostering social cohesion.
The initiative is a bold step toward inclusive governance and regional cohesion, anchored in the principles of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. Mr. Jacobs Fikirini, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, speaking at the official launch, reaffirmed the government's commitment to integrating youth voices into national peacebuilding agendas.
'This course aligns with our broader national efforts to develop Kenya's first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security,' he stated. He said, 'As a Ministry, we remain committed to providing institutional support to the National Youth Council and creating an enabling environment for youth to take up their rightful role in shaping peace and governance in Kenya and across the region.'
The ceremony was graced by representatives from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, as well as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who continue to play a significant role in youth-centred peace efforts across East Africa. Ms. Gloria Wawira, Acting CEO of the National Youth Council of Kenya, stressed the importance of empowering youth as active peace actors. 'Young people must be seen and empowered as co-creators of peace, not merely recipients of it,' she remarked.
She said, 'This collaboration reflects our long-standing belief that regional partnerships are key to building youth capacity and cohesion.' Mrs. Sylvia Horname Noagbesenu, Acting Director of WYPSI, who delivered a speech on behalf of the Commandant of KAIPTC, emphasized the significance of cross-border collaboration in nurturing youth leadership. 'This course is a deliberate effort to strengthen youth networks, knowledge and leadership in peacebuilding across Africa,' she said. 'We commend the National Youth Council for its vision, and the Government of Kenya for its support,' Mrs Noagbesenu added.
