Youth as Leaders of Peace: Strengthening Young Groups through Competence Training

IPYG Hosts 5th Youth Empowerment Peace Class to Build Future Leaders

This March, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), an international youth organization active in 128 countries, hosted the 5th Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC), an educational initiative designed to strengthen youth leadership and competence in peacebuilding.

The IPYG’s efforts extended to five countries, including South Sudan, Rwanda, and Timor-Leste, where young individuals and organizations participated in AI education and youth leadership training. These programs aim to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to foster community development and drive sustainable peace in their regions. By engaging youth in meaningful discussions and practical training, IPYG is cultivating future "peace leaders" who will contribute to long-term societal progress.

Since its inception in 2020, the YEPC has reached over 3,000 participants from approximately 60 countries, offering peace education on various youth-related topics. Graduates of the program go on to lead educational outreach efforts and peace campaigns, expanding their impact beyond their local communities to a global scale.

The YEPC also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Quality Education by providing young people worldwide with valuable learning opportunities. Additionally, it aligns with UNESCO’s lifelong learning objectives, reinforcing the importance of continuous education in peacebuilding.

Empowering Youth Through AI and Leadership Training
On March 15, a specialized AI Practical Training session was held, highlighting the significance of AI education and demonstrating how tools like ChatGPT can be applied across various fields. The session aimed to equip youth with technological skills to enhance their leadership roles and community initiatives.

A week later, on March 22, the Youth Leadership Training session took place, focusing on historical cases of youth-led peace movements. Participants learned about young leaders who played pivotal roles in civil rights, democratization, and social transformation movements, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in shaping history. These stories served as powerful examples of how young people can be agents of change, even in times of war and conflict.

Inspiring Reflections and Global Collaboration
A key moment of the training involved reflecting on the words of Chairman Lee of HWPL, an international peace organization. Chairman Lee has long advocated for global peace, emphasizing that "The voice of one person who has experienced war can change the world." His firsthand accounts of war underscored the urgency of peace initiatives and reinforced the responsibility of youth in conflict prevention.

HWPL continues its mission of sustainable peace through initiatives such as advocating for international peace law, facilitating interfaith dialogues, and providing peace education. The organization collaborates with leaders, religious figures, and citizens worldwide to advance global peace efforts.

Kuir Michael Riak, National Coordinator of South Sudan Students for Liberty, shared his experience of attending the YEPC training:

"Participating in the YEPC training by IPYG has been an incredibly enriching experience. The session on peace leadership was especially impactful, as it directly addressed the challenges my community faces. Coming from South Sudan, I understand my country’s struggles, and this training reinforced the vital role of youth networks in promoting peace. It has inspired me to actively engage in peace advocacy and collaborate with fellow youth to drive meaningful change."

A Future of Peace Led by Today’s Youth
Through this training, young participants recognized themselves not as passive members of society but as proactive leaders in peacebuilding. The belief that “the future of peace starts with today’s youth” resonated throughout the program, inspiring participants to take initiative in their communities.

With over 3,000 participants from 60 countries since 2020, the YEPC continues to shape the next generation of peace leaders across nations, including Cameroon and Rwanda. By integrating AI education and leadership training, the program equips youth with the tools to spearhead community development and peace initiatives.

This global initiative not only aligns with the UN’s SDGs and UNESCO’s lifelong learning goals but also showcases the power of youth-driven change for a more peaceful and sustainable world.