By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Rwanda, August 06, 2026 - The African Union (AU) will next week bring together presidents, policymakers, youth leaders and women peacebuilders from across the continent for high-level talks on strengthening the role of young people and women in preventing conflict and promoting sustainable peace.
The 5th Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) will be held in Bujumbura, Burundi, from August 10 to 12, under the patronage of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the African Union Chairperson and AU Champion for the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda.
This year's dialogue comes as Africa faces growing challenges linked to climate change, competition over natural resources and insecurity, with discussions focusing on how better management of water resources can help prevent conflict and build lasting peace.
Held under the theme "Water, Peace and Inclusive Leadership in Africa: Institutionalising the strategic role of youth and women in conflict prevention, crisis management and sustainable peacebuilding through responsible resource governance," the meeting aims to move beyond policy commitments and strengthen the participation of young people and women in decision-making.
According to the AU, delegates will review progress made in implementing the Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security agendas while identifying practical ways to integrate youth and women into peacebuilding, resource governance and conflict prevention across the continent.
The dialogue will also examine how water insecurity, climate change and weak governance are fuelling conflicts in many parts of Africa, while recognising youth and women as critical actors in resolving disputes and promoting sustainable development.
Senior African Union officials, representatives of the Peace and Security Council, government leaders, diplomats, United Nations agencies, regional organisations, academics, women mediators, youth organisations and African Youth Ambassadors for Peace are expected to attend the three-day forum.
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The discussions will seek to strengthen cooperation between governments, regional bodies and development partners while encouraging greater intergenerational dialogue on peace and security.
The AU said one of the expected outcomes of the meeting is the adoption of a continental communiqué outlining recommendations to help member states strengthen the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security, Women, Peace and Security and climate-security agendas.
The event will also coincide with celebrations marking International Youth Day on August 12, providing an additional platform to showcase youth-led peace initiatives and innovations from across the continent.
The dialogue is being organised by the African Union in partnership with the African Peer Review Mechanism, UN Women, United Nations agencies, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Search for Common Ground, Oxfam, ACCORD, the Institute for Security Studies, the Pan-African Youth Union and other regional and international partners.