We are excited to draw your attention to a groundbreaking event: the first-ever collaboration between the Pan African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) and #defyhatenow. This initiative is all about raising awareness and fostering a culture of peace in Cameroon and across Africa. By bringing youth together to champion peace, the event will empower them and other individuals to take meaningful action in their own communities. Through this partnership, PAUGHSS and #defyhatenow are setting a powerful example of how collaboration and collective effort can create sustainable peace. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this event will have on both local and global scales.
In today’s world, where conflicts and tensions continue to plague nations, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to create a culture of peace. By fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups, we can begin to bridge divides and address the root causes of violence. This event serves as a shining example of how we can work together towards a common goal: a peaceful and prosperous society for all.
In his August 2024 remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, the President of the UN General Assembly Mr. Dennis Francis called for a collective and continued action by various stakeholders such as governments, the UN system, youth organizations, academia, civil society, development institutions and media. More importantly, we recognize the relentless technical and funding efforts that the UN agencies and development partners in Cameroon and across Africa are making to ensure attainment of peace amidst heightening political tensions. These efforts echo that attaining peace entails going beyond conflict resolution to include bettering human lives through respect for life, socio-economic empowerment, education, and good governance.
Hence, the Pan African University cannot overstate the significance of education in nurturing African future leaders who would embody empathy, collaboration, good governance, and cultural tolerance, for the achievement of the continent’s stability. This corresponds to the UN’s emphasis on the ideas of peace and the culture of peace that needs to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education across countries and generations.
The primary objective of this event is to raise awareness among youth about the significance of a culture of peace. The event will provide them with valuable insights and practical skills that will enable them to become agents of change in their communities. By targeting students of the Pan African University, located in Yaoundé and Buea, this event aims to reach a wide audience and inspire them to take action for peace.
Expected outcomes for this event centers around increased awareness of the importance of cultivating a culture of peace, exchange of ideas on the best approaches to sustainable peace, increased cultural tolerance among the diverse cultures in Cameroon and across Africa and the increased advocacy for policies that support peacebuilding, understanding and the respect for fundamental human rights.
This event is open to state authorities, United Nations agencies, diplomatic corps, development partners, media, academics, civil society, and university students from the Pan African University and University of Yaounde I and II.
During the two-day event, participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops and panel discussions on various aspects of peace building. These sessions will cover topics such as conflict resolution, reconciliation, social cohesion, and the role of youth in peace processes. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of peace as a foundation for sustainable development.
Furthermore, the event will emphasize the need for youth to become active participants in peace processes. By encouraging youth to take action in their communities, these conversations will foster a sense of ownership and empowerment in the participants.
The event will equally advocate for policies and programs that support peacebuilding among communities. By engaging with local policymakers and stakeholders, participants can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in promoting a culture of peace in Cameroon, in Africa and the world too. This advocacy work is crucial in ensuring that actions taken during the event have a lasting impact beyond the immediate time frame.
The collaborative event between PAUGHSS and #defyhatenow is a remarkable initiative that aims to create a culture of peace in Cameroon and Africa. By engaging youth and promoting dialogue and understanding, the event aims to foster inclusive societies and pave the way for sustainable peace. Urging all to take this opportunity to participate and contribute to the journey towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. Let us defyhateNOW and create a future where peace, empathy, tolerance, acceptance and love prevails.
Participants are expected to leave the event with a renewed commitment to promoting peace in their own communities. They will have gained valuable skills in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, which they can apply in real-world scenarios. Despite leaving the event with newfound skills and motivation, participants may face challenges such as resistance from community members who may turn out to be reluctant to change but the strategy is to let them see that positive change is possible and that everyone can contribute in making that happen because we all have a role to play in building a peaceful and secure environment for everyone to live and thrive in.
Hashtags:
#PeaceBuilding #Act4Peace #HateFreeCameroon #ThinkB4UClick #Youth4Peace, #CultureOfPeace