To contribute efforts addressing political instability, conflict, social fragmentation and youth exclusion from decision-making, governance and peacebuilding processes in Somalia, Nabaad, in partnership with YECO Somalia and with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office through Institute for Foreign Affairs, trained 30 youth leaders from three districts within the Benadir Regional Administration. The training aimed at equipping participants with knowledge, skills and information essential for peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Key areas the training addressed included understanding principles and operational framework of the YPS Agenda, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, mediation and dialogue design, advocacy and communication, leadership and management skills.
Following the training, Nabaad hosted two forums on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda, providing a platform for young leaders to engage with peacebuilding practitioners and fellow youth leaders.The forums emphasized the potential of youth to contribute to meaningfully to national peacebuilding processes and fostered dialogue on strategies to strengthen inclusive governance and social cohesion. Complementing these discussions, Nabaad co-organized Arts for Peace Public Forums, in which participants used creative expression to promote peaceful coexistence. Through live painting, exhibitions and interactive sessions, the forums highlighted the role of culture and arts in raising public awareness, fostering dialogue, and reinforcing community-based approaches to peace.
With aim of ensuring sustainability and long-term engagement, Nabaad organized a networking events connecting YPS trainees with civil society actors, peacebuilding practitioners, government and the private sector. These networking events established a strong partnership between our YPS trainees and the civil society, the private sector, government and peacebuilding practitioners, and fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and created an opportunities for youth-led actions to influence local peace and security efforts.
Upon the completion of the program, participants were awarded certificates of achievement and formally welcomed to Nabaad alumni network, providing a mechanisms for continued engagement, mentorship and collaboration in youth-led peacebuilding efforts.
This programs reflects Nabaad’s ongoing commitment to strengthening youth participation in governance and peacebuilding processes, reinforcing the critical role of young people in shaping Somalia’s trajectory toward a more peaceful, inclusive and resilient society.
