The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has called on young people across the region to step up as active partners in peacebuilding. Speaking during the opening of the IGAD Youth Peace and Security Conference in Nairobi, Gebeyehu stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved without the involvement of the youth.
“There is no peace without the youth, and there’s no youth without peace. The age of youth as passive beneficiaries is over. The age of youth as partners in peace has begun,” he declared.
Gebeyehu highlighted the ongoing conflict in Sudan as a pressing example of why youth engagement is vital. He noted that while IGAD continues to work towards restoring peace through both diplomatic and strategic means, the participation of Sudanese youth is crucial in shaping a sustainable resolution.
“Silence will not help. We have to be the voice of the Sudanese people; this can happen to any country,” he said, urging young leaders to become peace ambassadors in their communities and beyond.
The IGAD chief also pointed to the Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN) as a key tool in empowering youth. Through CEWARN, young people have been trained and equipped to act as “the eyes and ears of peace,” detecting and addressing tensions before they escalate into violence.
According to Gebeyehu, early warning systems have proven that when youth are entrusted with responsibility and the right resources, they become the most effective peacekeepers. “From the bustling markets of Addis Ababa to the remote villages along the Sudan–South Sudan border, young peace monitors are providing real-time intelligence that prevents conflicts before they ignite,” he said.
The conference brought together youth representatives from across the IGAD region, creating a platform to share experiences, build networks, and strengthen their role in promoting peace. Gebeyehu’s message was clear: youth are not just the future of peace in the region they are its present driving force.
By fostering active youth involvement, IGAD hopes to transform young people from bystanders into leaders, ensuring that peace is not only restored but sustained across the Horn of Africa.