From 10 to 12 August 2026, the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Burundi and partners, including ACCORD, convened the 5th Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Bujumbura, Burundi. The Dialogue brought together more than 1,200 participants from across Africa and beyond to explore the roles of youth and women in conflict prevention, crisis management and sustainable peacebuilding through responsible resource governance.
Held under the theme, “Water, Peace and Inclusive Leadership in Africa: Institutionalisation of the Strategic Role of Youth and Women in Conflict Prevention, Crisis Management and Sustainable Peace Consolidation through Responsible Resource Governance”, the Continental Dialogue was convened under the high patronage of H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, the AU Chairperson and AU Champion for YPS in Africa, alongside the First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Angeline Ndayishimiye. Participants included representatives from AU Member States, AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities, Member States, civil society organisations, women leaders, youth leaders, development partners, academia and community-based organisations.
The opening ceremony at the Kiriri Presidential Palace underscored the growing recognition of youth and women as strategic actors in Africa’s peace and security architecture. High-level interventions highlighted the urgent need to move beyond participation towards the institutionalisation of youth and women’s leadership in governance, peacebuilding and conflict prevention processes.
Discussions throughout the three-day Dialogue focused on the evolving peace and security landscape in Africa, particularly the growing impact of climate dynamics and climate change. Participants examined the nexus between water governance, peacebuilding and sustainable development, emphasising that responsible, inclusive and sustainable management of resources is critical for preventing and resolving conflicts, and strengthening community resilience.
A key feature of the Dialogue was a series of 4 thematic breakout sessions that explored the role of youth and women in advancing peace, security, governance, and sustainable development across Africa. The sessions generated practical recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional mechanisms for the meaningful participation of youth and women within Africa’s peace and security architecture. ACCORD supported the AU Silence the Guns Unit: Youth Creative Consortium ( YCC) 2.0 session and further contributed to the discussions during each of the sessions by drawing on its experience in supporting both the YPS and WPS agenda.
The Dialogue concluded on 12 August 2026, coinciding with celebrations of International Youth Day. Participants cemented their continued support for the 2022 Bujumbura Declaration.
The outcomes of the Dialogue will contribute to ongoing AU policy processes and reinforce continental efforts to build sustainable peace through inclusive frameworks, responsible resource governance and meaningful youth and women leadership.
