In a pivotal moment for the nation’s commitment to empowering its youth, stakeholders have commenced the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace, and Security.
The initiative, led by the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in partnership with the National Youth Authority (NYA) aims to translate United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 into concrete actions, harnessing the potential of young people for sustainable peace and security.
These resolutions call for the development of National Action Plans on Youth, Peace, and Security, which provide a framework for governments to address the unique challenges faced by young people and harness their potential as agents of positive change.
The NAP thus will serve as a strategic blueprint, outlining how to empower and engage young people in peacebuilding efforts, recognizing them as “architects of peace”, ensuring they have access to education and employment so they could contribute positively to peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The initiative, the partners maintained, goes beyond mere documentation, aiming to cultivate a collective vision for a future where the youth’s energy and dynamism are harnessed for lasting peace.
Ghana thus joins a select group of nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, in embarking on this journey.
KAIPTC
At the first stakeholder consultative meeting at the KAIPTC in Accra on Monday, January 30, 2024, the Commandant of KAIPTC, Major General Richard Addo Gyane said that the NAP will serve as a strategic blueprint, outlining how the various stakeholders could empower and engage the young people to contribute meaningfully to peace and security.
The meeting had in attendance representatives of youth groups, international organizations, civil society, and state agencies, highlighting the inclusive approach towards crafting the policy.
The success of the NAP, Major General Gyane said hinges on collaborative efforts that will ensure brainstorming, needs assessments, and policy formulation aligns with international best practices and Ghana’s specific context.
The KAIPTC, the Commandant said will lead the technical development of the policy and “with our wealth of experience and commitment to excellence, we are well-positioned to navigate the complexities and nuances of this task,” Major General Gyane stressed.
Peace Council
The Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, George Amoh in his remarks emphasized the importance for stakeholders to understand that the youth are a critical human resource, and “our approach to managing them will determine whether they become valuable assets or potential liabilities,”Mr Amoh observed.
The Council, he underscores in recognizing the crucial role of young people in building sustainable peace and security has established a Youth Peace and Security desk to enable them have targeted programmes.
He hoped that the Action Plan will serve as a roadmap to address the unique challenges faced by young people across the country, particularly in conflict-affected and post-conflict areas, and harnesses their immense potential as a catalyst for positive change.
NYA
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Puis Enam Hadzide in his welcome remarks, stated that a comprehensive needs assessment will be conducted to guide the identification of gaps in existing frameworks and programs.
This information will be used to construct formidable strategies to empower our youth.
Policy formulation and enhancement, Mr Hadzide also pointed out, will be a collaborative effort, ensuring that recommendations align with international best practices while remaining attuned to our socio-cultural context.
“We are committed to inclusivity, guaranteeing that the voices of our youth are not only heard but integral to the shaping of our policies,” he stated.
The Government, he also announced is committed to allocating adequate financial resources for the implementation of the action plan.
“Driven by this goal, we will launch capacity-building programs that equip our youth with the essential tools for conflict resolution, dialogue facilitation, and community-based peacebuilding. Alongside these efforts, we are unwavering in our pursuit of instilling a culture of non-violence, countering extremism through the power of education and understanding,” Mr Hadzide emphasised.