Nairobi: 24th September, 2024.
Youth, Talent and Sports Subsector held a two-day Symposium on peace bringing together over 200 youth from across the city. As the world paused to reflect on International Peace Day 2024, Nairobi stood at the forefront, emphasizing this year’s theme: “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”
Director Youth Affairs Daniel Ngari while addressing participants at the closing ceremony of the two-day peace workshop for youth said the main reason the focus is on youth was because they represent a majority segment of the population “You are the bridge between the present and the future. The choices you make, the voices you raise, and the actions you take today will define the kind of world we all live in tomorrow.”
“During the Gen Z demonstrations that the country witnessed recently we realized youth have the ability to shape societies where empathy triumphs over anger, where justice overcomes inequality, and where unity defeats division. The power of youth has always been transformative, from civil rights movements to environmental activism. And today, we need that same passion and commitment from you in the pursuit of peace. Peace should not be taken for granted, that is why we celebrate it today” added the Director.
Susan Kimani Assistant Director Youth Affairs called on all the participants to be peace builders “You may not have the power to stop a war, but you do have the power to prevent hate, to foster understanding, and to bring people together. It is the collection of small, positive actions that creates a lasting peace.”
“Each one of you is a leader in your own right. The ideas and solutions we need might come from the most unexpected places, and I have no doubt that some of the most important leaders for peace in our future are sitting right here” added Susan.
The Youth Affairs has been implementing an Initiative dubbed Balozi Mtaani whose main objective is mindset change of the Youth and communities in pursuit of cultivating a culture of peace.
During the training the participants were taken through practical ways to foster peace in your daily lives, conflict resolution, dialogue, and negotiation—skills that are essential not only for mediating disputes but for building strong, healthy communities. They also engaged with ideas about social justice and equality, because peace is only possible where there is fairness and dignity for all.
In attendance were youth peace champions and key stakeholders to commemorate the International Peace Day 2024.
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