The African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) through the AGA-APSA Secretariat, with the support of partners including the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) has officially opened the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme on African Union Shared Values Instruments, bringing together young leaders from across Africa for a four-day capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening their understanding of democratic governance, human and peoples’ rights, peace and security, civic participation and responsible leadership.
Representing H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, H.E. Amb. Salah Hammad, Head of the Secretariat of the African Governance Architecture-the Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA), delivered a welcoming remark. He welcomed the young participants to the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme and reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to strengthening meaningful engagement between the Union and its citizens.
“This programme is a reflection of the growing interest and commitment among young Africans to contribute to issues of democratic governance, human rights, peace and security, and leadership.” Said Amb. Salah
He further underscored that African Union Shared Values instruments are not merely legal or diplomatic frameworks but have a direct impact on the everyday lives of African citizens. These instruments address fundamental issues including citizens’ participation in public life, the protection of rights and freedoms, accountable institutions, equal opportunities for leadership, and the peaceful management of political differences through dialogue rather than violence.
Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of H.E. Amb. Dr. Khaled Mohamed, Chairperson of the AGA-APSA Platform Amb. Jevin Pillay Ponisamy the Vice Chairperson of the AGA-APSA Platform underscored that meaningful citizen, and youth engagement is central to sustainable governance, peace and security on the continent.
He noted that the AGA-APSA Platform is founded on the recognition that democratic governance, human rights, peace and security are inseparable, stressing that youth engagement should not be treated as an additional item on the continental agenda, but as an integral part of making the governance, peace and security nexus work in practice.
“Governance, peace and security cannot be sustained without citizens who understand, own and help give effect to the values on which our institutions are built,” Amb. Pillay Ponisamy emphasized.
He encouraged the young participants to use the programme as practical preparation for constructive civic engagement, responsible defence of rights and the peaceful management of differences through dialogue rather than division or violence.
H.E. Amb. Lemlem Fiseha Minale, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and UNECA, alsp welcomed participants to Addis Ababa on behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, expressing appreciation to the African Union Commission for convening the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme on African Union Shared Values.
Amb. Lemlem underscored that Africa’s youthful population, with more than 400 million young people, represents a tremendous opportunity for the continent’s growth and prosperity.
“Africa’s young people and human capital constitute one of the continent’s greatest assets, with the creativity, skills and determination needed to drive its economic, social and political transformation.” - Amb. Lemlem Fiseha
In his opening remarks, Amb. Willy Nyamitwe placed young Africans at the heart of Africa’s present and future, emphasizing that they should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development and governance initiatives, but as citizens, innovators, community leaders, entrepreneurs, journalists, activists and leaders with an essential role in shaping the continent.
“Africa cannot continue telling its young people that they are the leaders of tomorrow while asking them to wait for tomorrow, Africa needs your leadership now.” Amb. Nyamitwe stated.
He further highlighted the commitment of the Republic of Burundi and H.E President Evariste Ndayishimiye as the Champion for to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, including efforts to advance youth empowerment, inclusive leadership and peacebuilding across Africa.
Amb. Nyamitwe concluded by officially declaring the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme on African Union Shared Values Instruments open, while expressing appreciation the Federal Democratic Republic oof Government of Ethiopia for being gracious hosts and for to African Center for the Constructive resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the teams within the AGA-APSA Secretariat that contributed to making the programme possible.
Among the key instruments highlighted for engagement during the programme is the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), alongside the broader body of AU Shared Values instruments relating to democratic governance, constitutionalism, human and peoples’ rights, the rule of law and citizen participation.
The programme reflects the African Union’s broader commitment to realizing the vision of Agenda 2063 for an Africa whose development is people-driven, especially by its women and youth, while strengthening citizen ownership of the Union’s governance, peace and security agenda.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
