Youths advocate for reparative justice

The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), in collaboration with the African Union, UNDP Regional Service Centre Addis Ababa, Model African Union Ethiopia (MAU-E), and partner organisations including the Bahá’í International Community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Ethiopia Youth Dialogue for Peace Association, has hosted the 5th Youth […]

The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), in collaboration with the African Union, UNDP Regional Service Centre Addis Ababa, Model African Union Ethiopia (MAU-E), and partner organisations including the Bahá’í International Community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Ethiopia Youth Dialogue for Peace Association, has hosted the 5th Youth Model African Union (YMAU) Extraordinary Summit at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The summit brought together youth representatives from across the continent to simulate the work of key AU organs such as the AU Assembly, the Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The sessions offered participants practical insight into AU decision-making and continental governance processes.

Dignitaries who delivered remarks at the opening ceremony included Mrs. Nirina Kiplagat, Coordinator for Governance and Peacebuilding in Africa at the UNDP; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Maxy Ogbede; Ms. Illwad Mohammed, Acting Head of the Youth Development and Engagement Division at the African Union Commission; and H.E. Nebiat Getachew, Spokesperson of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Convener of the summit and Executive Director of CEPASD, Mr. Augustine Igweshi, said the gathering served as a platform for African youth to contribute ideas toward addressing major continental challenges. He noted that the simulations equip young delegates with practical experience in diplomacy, negotiation, research, consensus-building, and foreign policy analysis.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice for African Youth and People of African Descent through Reparations,” he highlighted the importance of justice and dignity in efforts toward reparative action.

He also encouraged participants to engage fully in the sessions, stressing the need for respectful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

The Youth Model African Union Summit, an initiative of CEPASD, remains one of the continent’s prominent youth leadership and diplomacy platforms, aimed at strengthening youth involvement in continental governance and supporting the aspirations of the AU’s Agenda 2063.