The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called on young people in East Africa to play a central role in promoting peace and stability.

Speaking at the opening of the IGAD Youth Peace and Security Conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved without active youth participation.

He said young people should be seen not as passive beneficiaries but as key partners in building and sustaining peace.

“There is no peace without the youth, and there’s no youth without peace,” he said. “The era of youth being bystanders is over. The era of youth as partners in peace has begun.”

Dr. Gebeyehu urged youth representatives to harness their energy, skills, and influence to protect the interests of young people and safeguard peace in the region.

He highlighted the ongoing conflict in Sudan, stressing that while IGAD is working to restore stability, the involvement of Sudanese youth is crucial.

“Silence will not help. We must be the voice of the Sudanese people because this could happen to any of our countries,” he said. “IGAD is using both diplomacy and practical action to bring back peace and stability. I urge you to be peace ambassadors.”

He also highlighted IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN), which trains young people to serve as “the eyes and ears” of peace in their communities. Youth monitors, from busy markets in Addis Ababa to remote villages along the Sudan-South Sudan border, are helping prevent violence by providing timely information before conflicts escalate.

Dr. Gebeyehu further noted the impact of the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, which has trained over 500 young community leaders since 2018.

These young leaders have developed skills in counter-messaging, creating positive narratives, and strengthening community resilience. “These young champions are not just participants in our programs they are creating their own solutions,” he said.

Margaret Kiogora, CEO of the President’s Award, representing Sports and Youth Affairs CS Salim Mvurya, echoed the message, stressing that youth are now driving peace and development in the region.

“Without peace, there is no development and no jobs,” she said. “But when young people are supported, they create lasting peace.”

With over 60% of the IGAD region’s population under the age of 30, Dr. Gebeyehu believes the youth hold the key to long-term stability and prosperity.