From 28-30 May 2025, the African Governance Architecture (AGA), African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Secretariat held the Pan African Leadership Training for African Youth at the African Union Commission headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Supported by ACCORD, the AGA-APSA Secretariat led this training to empower the next generation of young leaders using the newly developed Pan African Youth Leadership Manual. The goal was to drive Africa’s democracy and good governance and peace and security agenda. The training invited young leaders from the current Wise-Youth Network cohort and the Ethiopian Youth Council, all equipped with specific skills-sets.
The training manual provided current youth leaders across the continent with knowledge and skills on policy development, effective communication and advocacy, negotiation and conflict resolution, inclusive leadership, digital skills and civic engagement, emotional intelligence, and design thinking. As the world rapidly changes and new solutions are needed for pressing challenges, it is essential for leaders to involve themselves in complex and multifaceted solution-oriented approaches, rooted in inclusivity and societal practices. This is the complex reality for which young people are being prepared. Additionally, the training offered these youth leaders the opportunity to understanding and solidify their own leadership skills.
ACCORD’s support to AGA-APSA is rooted in its strategy to enhance the role of youth to prevent, mitigate and resolve complex conflicts. This strategy is further entrenched in ACCORDs continued support to the United Nations Resolution 2250 on Youth Peace and Security and the African Union (AU) Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security. Through the TfP Programme, ACCORD continues to bolster the AU’s concerted efforts to build and enhance the capacity of young people.
