On 11 November, the African Union Peace and Security Council held its 1310th open session in virtual format on the theme of migration, youth, peace and security in Africa. The meeting, chaired by Cameroon as Council Chair for November, marked the first time migration was formally discussed within the AU’s Youth, Peace and Security agenda. Introductory remarks by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and representatives from Burundi, Morocco and the International Organization for Migration highlighted progress on Youth, Peace and Security National Action Plans and the need for youth-responsive migration policies.
The session provided a platform for the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace and the IOM Youth Ambassador to present regional challenges, youth-led initiatives and priorities for strengthening youth participation in peace and security efforts. In response, Member States and Regional Economic Communities expressed strong support, underscoring the need to integrate youth perspectives in decision making, to reinforce linkages with the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and to accelerate adoption of Youth, Peace and Security National Action Plan guidelines. Calls were also made for stronger coordination and sustainable resourcing.
UNOAU delivered remarks at the close of the session, reiterating the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the African Union in advancing the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and highlighting the pivotal role of young people, particularly Generation Z, in peacebuilding and social cohesion.
