On International Youth Day 2016, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is pleased to launch the Call for Applications for the Young Peacebuilders in West Africa programme. The Call is open to participants between 18 to 25 years old, from West Africa, with a strong interest in growing their ability to act as agents of peace in their community, region and beyond.
Up to 20 young women and young men affiliated with youth-led and youth-focused organizations will be selected to participate in an intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding experience. Over the course of 12 weeks, the selected participants will interact online through a series of facilitated modules, and in-person, during a one-week workshop in Abuja, Nigeria. Participants will act as a force multiplier of the lessons learned through the program and actively take part in follow-up activities at the community level.
The aim of this new programme is to support the growth of networks of young peacebuilders who are equipped with the tools to address stereotypes, prejudice and polarization in order to build more inclusive and peaceful societies in their communities and globally. It is part of UNAOC’s educational programming for young people, which seeks to enhance the ability of young people and their organizations to foster mutual respect, understanding and long-term positive relationships between peoples of different cultures and religions.
More details on the program and eligibility criteria available here.