From 10 to 12 August, the African Union and the Government of Burundi convened the Fifth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Bujumbura, Burundi, bringing together more than 1,500 participants from across Africa.
Held under the auspices of H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi, Chairperson of the African Union and AU Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, the Dialogue focused on the theme “Water, Peace and Inclusive Leadership in Africa: Institutionalising the Strategic Role of Youth and Women in Conflict Prevention, Crisis Management and Sustainable Peacebuilding through Responsible Resource Governance.” It marked the first edition of the Continental Dialogue to fully integrate the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Participants included the five African Youth Ambassadors for Peace, representing the continent’s five regions.
Opening the dialogue, President Ndayishimiye highlighted the implications of water insecurity, climate change and natural resource pressures for peace and security in Africa and emphasized the role of improved water governance, cooperation and climate resilience in contributing to regional stability and sustainable peace.
Senior AU and UN officials also underscored the importance of institutionalizing the meaningful participation of young people and women in decision-making, conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Discussions addressed the nexus between water, YPS and WPS, as well as emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, Silencing the Guns, the African Youth Charter, young women’s leadership in peace negotiations and access to justice, and inclusive approaches to water security and resilience.
In video message delivered during the closing of the dialogue, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier highlighted that competition over water and natural resources can deepen inequalities and tensions. He stressed the importance of translating Youth, Peace and Security commitments, including national action plans, into tangible implementation.
UNOAU also co-organized a side event with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) under the theme “Reframing Water Security within Africa's Peace and Security Architecture: Youth and Women as Drivers of Inclusive Resilience.”
Discussions highlighted the central role of young people and women as agents of climate resilience, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, cooperation and sustainable natural resource governance. Participants emphasized the importance of harnessing their leadership, local knowledge and innovative approaches to address interconnected challenges related to water, climate, peace and security across Africa.
UNOAU will continue working with the African Union Commission and partners to advance relevant recommendations, including through the Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security, preparations for COP31 and COP32, and follow-up on the YPS and WPS agendas.
