A Transformative Experience in Youth Peacebuilding

A youth reflection piece by Harriet Ahalo, Founder of WeRise Africa and iDover

From November 5th to 7th, 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the iDove’s 7th Intercontinental Youth Forum hosted by the Peacemakers Network, the African Union’s Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (AU-CIDO), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). Together with other great young people from around the globe, we explored iDove’s governance structure and fundamentals of peace mediation aimed at empowering us as young interfaith peacebuilders.

Harriet Ahalo with other iDove participants, trainers and partners share a group photo at The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). Photo: KAIPTC. 2024.

One of the most exciting moments at this Forum was finally meeting my fellow attendees in person, as we had only met previously online. Being able to see these incredible young changemakers face-to-face for the first time felt truly meaningful.

The Forum began with opening remarks by the KAIPTC Commandant, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, a seasoned peacekeeper, followed by insightful speeches given by Chief Doliwura Zakaria (IDPF), Angela Naa Odai (AU-CIDO) and Timo Biank, (GIZ representative). These speakers passionately spoke about the role of youth in peacebuilding and encouraged us to take advantage of the opportunities available to us to address challenges in our communities.

My Key Highlights of the Forum

The iDove Governance Structure: During last year’s 6th iDove Intercontinental Forum, the team drafted a governance structure to support and sustain the network and initiatives by iDovers. This year, we had an important task of reviewing and refining this structure to adapt to the current global challenges like climate change, technology and the evolving needs of iDovers who are over the age of 35.

Engagement with King Abdullah bin AbdulazizInternational Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID): As a former fellow of KAICIID, I had the change to share my experiences in the program. This one-year fellowship provides training and small grants equipping fellows with skills to implement impactful initiative in the communities. I felt honored by speaker Ana Co, representing KAICIID to contribute my insights as an alumna. This session was provided to give examples of what a network could offer to participants.

Harriet Ahalo at the UN in New York during the ECOSOC Youth Forum in 2024.

Peace Mediation Training

I found this session very eye opening. We delved into practical techniques like conflict mapping and learned how to design mediation processes. The use of role play exercises put us in real world conflict scenarios pushing us to hone our mediation skills. One powerful takeaway was the role of religion in mediation

Harriet posing for a picture at the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. 2024.

As a founder of a youth-led organization in Mombasa, Kenya, this Forum was extremely valuable. Mombasa County has faced numerous conflicts rooted in religious misunderstandings, making skills such as mediation important for young leaders like me. Not only did I gain practical skills to bring back to my community, I also expanded my network with connections that I believe will last beyond this Forum.