Now, is the time for youth to contribute to peace – H.E Amb. Johanna Teague, Swedish Ambassador to Rwanda.
Rwanda has made tremendous progress in its pursuit of unity, reconciliation, lasting peace, and sustainable development. From a country tainted with a dark history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to one respected internationally for its conducive environment for investors, civic engagement for all citizens, preservation of the environment among many other aspects, just 27 years later. This progress is all courtesy of the deliberate strategies, policies, and interventions by the Government of Rwanda and its affiliate entities, as well as international and national CSOs, development partners, and the citizens.
In line with the consistent efforts to build peace and increase the role of youth to promote peace values, Never Again Rwanda (NAR) in partnership with other peace actors on September 21, 2021, organized a hybrid national youth dialogue to commemorate the International Day of Peace. Under the theme: “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world: the role of youth in promoting peaceful values, the dialogue convened over 200 youth, decision-makers, CSOs, media, and development partners.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director at NAR, Dr. Nkurunziza Joseph Ryarasa urged peace actors to provide the younger generation with the tools and capacity to play a meaningful role in shaping efforts to address stereotypes, prejudice, and polarization, promote social cohesion, and build inclusive and peaceful societies in their contexts.
H.E Amb. Johanna Teague, the Swedish Ambassador to Rwanda, in her remarks, said; “it’s the youth’s time to contribute to peacebuilding”. She applauded youth for their resilience regardless of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She, therefore, called on the youth to be mindful of spreading hate messages through social media channels, rather share facts and promote peace on their digital platforms.
The panel discussion made up of a youth representative, youth MP, a psychotherapist and a peace actor discussed different challenges youth faced as a result of the pandemic and the underlying mental health issues that arose. The panel explored effective recovery strategies against the devastating social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 and how youth can continue working together and with other stakeholders to remedy the challenges and continue to promote peaceful values.
In his closing remarks, on behalf of Rwanda’s parliament, Ernest Kamanzi the youth MP called on the youth to use the available opportunities and have a patriotic mindset by striving for peace and guarding what has been achieved thus far. He also encouraged youth to be resilient and to engage in activities that promote peace as they continue to deal with the legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the key quotes from the participants include;
Youth, plan for your future instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you. Marc Gwamaka, youth project manager at Aegis Trust
“My talent is my property. I have held on to this statement & it has helped me know how to use what is within me to promote peace values. Youth, know how to use your talents.” Providence Iradukunda from Youth Estimation
“Youth ought to take ownership in contributing to find solutions of challenges that youth are facing.” Honorable Veneranda
“The government is deliberate to engage & empower youth to be the solutions. Youth is the hinge to a peaceful future.” Hon. Karemera Francis from Rwanda parliament
“Youth need to take advantage of the challenges they face today in a bid to work towards living for peace today and in the future.” Michel Muhirwa from GIZ
We can slow down and stop hatred via social media by adding more positivity. Marc Gwamaka, youth project manager at Aegis Trust
The young people crowned the day with their performances, in form of dance, music, poetry, and drama, all carrying messages of peace. Youth committed to upholding the values of justice, tolerance, and peace.