Somali Youth Peace Dialogue Forum: International Youth Day successfully marked in Mogadishu, Somalia

The event provided the youth a platform for dialogue and debate, through panel discussions and lectures and strived to examined challenges the Somali youth are facing.   The forum brought together 120 young men and women, youth representatives, activists and government officials mainly from Mogadishu and the following major cities: Baydabo, Kismao Baladwaye, and Jowhar.  

The forum kicked off with thematic structured dialogue sessions and focused on the common overall theme on “The Role of Local Youth on Peace and Development.”

Government officials in their remarks during the event highlighted that “Youth are impacted by many factors but more importantly education… we must provide programs for job creation and policy regulations…”, said the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon, Mohamed Arteh.  The Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Hon, Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan also remarked, “Thank you to the organizers, youth participants and UNESCO for facilitating the Somali Youth Peace Forum and the celebration of the International Youth day in Mogadishu.”  Zakaria Ahmed Nur, youth participant from Somali Against Violent Extremism (SAVE) said “This Forum was a good opportunity to bring together young people across regions to collectively discuss the role of youth in peace building and   preventing violent extremism through Education.

Some key recommendations have emerged from the Youth Forum covering education, the role of media and youth in promoting peace and preventing violent. Moreover, the Youth participants call on the government officials to strengthen and empower the role of youth in policy-making, and providing platforms for youth to come together and debate pressing issues.

Also the participants underscored the need for continuity of the Youth Forums at regional level in close collaboration with ministries of Youth and Sports and Ministries of Education, and agreed on the establishment of the National Youth Councils. 

This activity took place in celebrating International Youth Day that is celebrated every year on 12 August to recognize efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society.

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