(Accra, Ghana – May 13, 2025) — The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has launched a five-day Youth in Leadership and Peacebuilding course aimed at equipping young Africans with the tools, knowledge, and networks to play transformative roles in peacebuilding and governance across the continent.
The course, which runs from May 12–16, 2025, is an initiative of KAIPTC’s Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI), developed with funding support from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Speaking on behalf of the Ag. Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, Ms. Horname Noagbesenu, Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and Acting Director of WYPSI, welcomed participants and highlighted the strategic intent behind the training.
“We gather here for a significant purpose: to empower the next generation of leaders who will champion peace, resilience, and social cohesion in their communities and beyond, today,” she said.
With over 75 percent of Africa’s population under 30, the KAIPTC believes youth must be at the heart of peace and security frameworks. However, their contributions continue to be curtailed by high unemployment, limited access to quality education, and structural barriers to leadership.
“This course is expected to solve problems,” Ms. Noagbesenu emphasized. “The training is the direct result of stakeholder engagement meetings held with several organisations in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana. The findings were synthesized and validated at a symposium held in October last year. Earlier this year, a Learning Design and Development (LDD) workshop enabled subject matter experts to tailor the course based on the real needs identified.”
Course participants—drawn from civil society, media, government, academia, and youth-led organisations—will engage in interactive workshops, simulations, mentorship programs, and collaborative group activities. The curriculum covers ethical leadership, peacebuilding strategies, conflict resolution, resource mobilization, and policy engagement.
“You are the change-makers of today. Each of you carries the potential to influence your peers, engage in meaningful dialogue, and inspire action towards lasting peace,” Ms. Noagbesenu added. “The challenges we face—be they political, social, or environmental—require innovative solutions and forward-thinking leadership.”
The training also aims to foster regional cooperation among youth networks and create a ripple effect of community-based peace initiatives. At least 60 percent of participants fall within the 15–35 age group, aligning with global efforts to integrate young people into the peace and security agenda. The Youth in Leadership and Peacebuilding course represents KAIPTC’s continued commitment to nurturing capable, ethical, and visionary leaders across Africa.
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