Gaborone is set to host the Youth, Peace, and Security Capacity Building Workshop, bringing together regional leaders, policymakers, and youth advocates to advance the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) on Youth, Peace, and Security in Southern Africa. The workshop aims to address key gaps in coordination, capacity building, and resource mobilization to enhance youth participation in peacebuilding efforts across the region.
The event aligns with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 and the Continental Framework for Youth, Peace, and Security, both of which emphasize the crucial role of young people in preventing conflict, promoting peace, and driving sustainable development. By strengthening national frameworks, the workshop seeks to ensure that youth voices are effectively integrated into policy formulation and implementation.
Key discussions will focus on improving youth engagement in peace processes, fostering collaboration between governments and civil society, and developing strategies for sustainable funding of peacebuilding initiatives. Participants will also explore best practices from other regions, equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools to implement and monitor National Action Plans effectively.
The workshop is expected to result in stronger regional cooperation, greater investment in youth-led peace initiatives, and actionable strategies for integrating young people into security and governance frameworks. As Gaborone hosts this pivotal gathering, it reaffirms Botswana’s commitment to promoting youth leadership in shaping a more peaceful and secure future for Southern Africa.