From 11 – 13 December 2025, the African Union, in partnership with ACCORD, Organisation International de la Francophonie (OIF), and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) hosted the 4th Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security in Bujumbura, Burundi. The Dialogue was focused on the theme; ”Beyond Speeches: “Youth Empowerment and Engagement in Sustainable Development, Agri-food Systems and Mining Value Chains, a Key Driver of the Continental Agenda for Youth, Peace and Security”. This event aligns with ACCORDs strategic objective to enhance the role of youth to prevent, mitigate and resolve complex conflicts on the continent.
In attendance at the 3-day Dialogue was the President of the Republic of Burundi and AU Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, H.E. President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the African Union, representatives from Regional Economic Communities and young leaders from across the continent. The opening ceremony, held at Kiriri Presidential Palace, underscored strong political commitment to the YPS Agenda. High-level statements from AU officials, regional organisations, youth leadership structures, and development partners reaffirmed the central role of African youth, including Generation Z, in addressing security challenges and driving sustainable development. The official opening address by the AU Champion on YPS emphasised the urgency of moving beyond policy rhetoric toward tangible investments in youth empowerment, innovation, and employment as foundations for lasting peace.
Substantive discussions during the first day focused on the state of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in Africa and the effectiveness of existing youth empowerment programmes at continental, regional, and national levels. High-level panels and interactive dialogues highlighted persistent implementation gaps, particularly limited access to finance, weak incubation ecosystems, and insufficient coordination among stakeholders. Youth representatives and practitioners shared regional perspectives on peace and security dynamics, emphasising the importance of inclusive governance, youth participation in decision-making, and economic empowerment as preventive tools against conflict. ACCORD formed part of a panel discussion on the theme: Youth Peace and Security Agenda and Youth Empowerment Programs in Africa: Current Situation and Challenges at the Continental, Regional, and National Levels”. The panel discussion provided a platform to discuss the outcomes from the Reflective Seminar on YPS National Action Plans which was convened in Addis Ababa in November and other youth-centred initiatives which the organisation has convened.
The second day of the Dialogue examined the nexus between peace, security, and sustainable development, with a strong focus on agrifood systems, mineral value chains, trade, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. Discussions underscored the need to engage youth meaningfully in strategic economic sectors while ensuring sustainability, value addition, and responsible resource governance. Testimonies from young entrepreneurs and innovators illustrated how youth-led initiatives in agriculture, mining, and technology contribute to job creation, resilience, and social cohesion. A dedicated session on youth leadership and governance further explored the role of Generation Z, digitalization, civic engagement, and intergenerational dialogue in shaping peaceful and inclusive societies.
The Dialogue concluded with a closing session on 13 December 2025, integrated with the Inkerebutsi Day celebrations showcasing youth entrepreneurship and innovation. During this final session, participants adopted the Bujumbura Declaration – 4th Edition, which captures the collective commitments, concerns, and recommendations emerging from the Dialogue. The adoption of the Bujumbura Declaration represents a shared commitment to move from dialogue to action, and the outcomes of the Dialogue are to be submitted to the African Union Peace and Security Council for consideration and follow-up, ensuring sustained continental momentum on the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda.
