Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention

This year’s Seminar was themed:

1. Cultivating a Culture of Peace: Empowering Young People as Custodians of Peace

2. From Activism to Action: Moving Beyond Symbolic Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding

Date: February 15, 2025

Venue: 8, Ladoke Akintola Road, Ikeja GRA Lagos.

Organized by: Rotaract District 9111, Nigeria

The Peace Seminar, organized by Rotaract District 9111, Nigeria, on February 15, 2025, brought together young leaders, activists, and professionals to discuss practical approaches to peacebuilding. The event focused on the role of youth in fostering sustainable peace and the transition from mere activism to concrete actions that create lasting change.

In attendance was the District Rotaract Representative RD9111, District Governor RD 9111, District Rotaract Representative RD 9112, Board of directors RD 9111, Guest Speakers, Rotarian, Dignitaries, Rotaract Club President, Rotaract Members from Rotaract Club of LASU, Rotaractors from RD 9112, Club members from Clubs in RD9111 and Guests.

The seminar featured two keynote speakers who provided insightful discussions on the respective themes. The event also included interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at equipping participants with the necessary tools to become effective peacebuilders in their communities.

Keynote Speech 1: Cultivating a Culture of Peace – Empowering Young People as Custodians of Peace

The first keynote speaker, Leo. Ibraheem Adekunle Adedigba, emphasized the importance of instilling peace-oriented values in young people to ensure a harmonious and inclusive society. Key points from the speech included:

• Education for Peace: The need for peace education in schools and communities to instill conflict resolution skills from an early age.

• Youth as Peace Ambassadors: Encouraging young people to take leadership roles in fostering peace within their communities.

• Social Cohesion and Tolerance: Promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue as a means of reducing tensions and conflicts.

• Community Engagement: The role of youth-led initiatives in addressing issues of violence, discrimination, and social injustice.

The speaker stressed that empowering young people with the right mindset, skills, and platforms is crucial in making them active custodians of peace.

Keynote Speech 2: From Activism to Action – Moving Beyond Symbolic Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding

The second keynote speaker, RTN. DR. Doyin Ogunyemi, addressed the need for young people to move beyond symbolic activism and take concrete steps toward sustainable peacebuilding. Key takeaways from the speech included:

• Beyond Social Media Advocacy: While digital activism is powerful, real change requires practical, on-the-ground efforts.

• Policy Engagement: The importance of youth participation in governance and policy-making to influence peace-oriented legislation.

• Capacity Building: Equipping young people with skills such as mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

• Sustainable Initiatives: Encouraging long-term community-driven projects that tackle root causes of conflicts.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: Working with governmental and non-governmental organizations to amplify impact.

The speaker challenged attendees to move from mere advocacy to tangible projects and solutions that address real-life peace and conflict issues.

Following the keynote speeches, participants engaged in breakout sessions and panel discussions where they:

• Shared personal experiences and challenges in peacebuilding.

• Developed actionable strategies for implementing peace initiatives.

• Discussed ways to enhance youth involvement in decision-making processes.

These interactive discussions allowed for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaboration among young changemakers.

The Peace Seminar successfully reinforced the importance of youth in peacebuilding and equipped participants with the knowledge and tools to effect meaningful change. The event emphasized that peace is not just the absence of conflict but a proactive effort that requires education, engagement, and practical initiatives.

Rotaract District 9111, Nigeria, has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing young leaders and fostering a culture of peace. Participants left the seminar inspired and empowered to take bold steps toward creating a more peaceful and inclusive society.