05 Mar 2025

Youth activists have been called upon to continue in their efforts to promote peace and security within their communities and beyond.

This message was conveyed by the Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, during the Peace and Security capacity-building workshop held in Gaborone yesterday.

Dr Butale emphasised the integral role young people played in society, describing them as vital catalysts for change, equipped with the energy, innovation, and resilience essential for peacebuilding initiatives.

“You are the generation that will bridge divides, heal wounds, and create a more harmonious world,” he stated.

The three-day workshop, jointly organised by the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace Southern Africa, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Liaison Office to the African Union (KAS), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), aims to equip participants with the skills and tools necessary to advocate for peace and security across the region.

Dr Butale underscored the importance of empowering youth as leaders in peace processes and urged the next generation to embrace their responsibility.

While acknowledging the numerous challenges faced by young people, he celebrated their tenacity and commitment to fostering positive change in their communities.

“The future of a peaceful and prosperous Africa lies in the hands of its youth,” Dr Butale said.

He urged young people to engage in constructive dialogue, embrace diversity, and champion tolerance and compassion, while also using education, technology, and social media to amplify their voices.

“Be the voice for the unheard and be the change you wish to see in the world,” he stressed.

However, he noted that achieving lasting peace requires more than passion; it necessitates collective action, inclusive dialogue, deeper understanding, and mutual respect.

“We must break down the barriers that divide us and build bridges that unite us,” Dr Butale added.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to human rights, Dr Butale affirmed Botswana’s dedication to investing in and empowering youth to advance peace and security across the continent. 

The workshop, themed: Promoting Meaningful Youth Participation in the Development and Implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on Youth, Peace, and Security in Southern Africa, aims to enhance the capabilities of youth in developing and implementing National Action Plans in their countries. ENDS