In 2018, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) expanded its scope by incorporating Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) into the broader Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. This expansion resulted in the renaming of the institution from the Women, Peace, and Security Institute (WPSI) to the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI). This change aligns with the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250, which emphasizes the vital role young people play in peacebuilding and their potential to contribute to long-term peace and security and ensures their consideration in peace and security frameworks alongside women. Today, WYPSI at KAIPTC plays a leading role in advancing the full implementation of both the WPS and YPS agendas. The institute focuses on promoting youth participation in peace processes through initiatives such as capacity building, research, policy dialogues and advocacy, and collaboration, aiming to accelerate the realization of these agendas across Africa and beyond.
Vision
Empowering a new generation of youth leaders for sustainable peace, prosperity, and security in Africa and beyond.
Mission
Empowering youth to lead, innovate, and advocate for peace and security in Africa by providing comprehensive programmes, advocating for inclusive policies, and generating knowledge that transforms the youth’s role in conflict dynamics.
- Participation: Meaningful youth participation and representation in peace and security issues
- Protection: Youth protection from violence and human rights abuse.
- Prevention: Preventing violent extremism and radicalization among youth.
- Partnership: Collaboration across sectors and multi-stakeholder engagement.
- Empowerment: Capacity building in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and youth-driven initiatives.
Capacity Building: Conducts training programs and workshops that aim at building the capacity of young people to engage in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and leadership. These programs empower youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in peace processes.
Advocacy and Policy Dialogues: The YPS program has played a significant role in advocating for youth inclusion in peace and security policies. KAIPTC has hosted high-level dialogues, bringing together youth, policymakers, and peace practitioners to discuss the role of youth in peacebuilding and to advocate for policies that prioritize youth in peace processes.
Research on Youth and Peacebuilding: Producing valuable research that highlights the importance of youth in peace and security frameworks.
Collaboration: Collaborated with several regional and international organizations such as AU, UN Youth Envoy, and UNDP to implement the YPS agenda, helping to expand its impact and reach.
- Created awareness on the role of young people in advancing the climate, peace and security agenda during the Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY).
- Supported the Technical Working Group in developing a National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security(YPS) for Ghana.
- Developed a training package for youth in leadership and peacebuilding. The training aims to equip young leaders (participants) with essential skills and knowledge to actively and effectively engage in peacebuilding efforts. Furthermore, it seeks to further empower participants with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to contribute to peacekeeping efforts in their communities.
