By 
On 11 August 2025, WANEP hosted a regional online training for 120 young peacebuilders from across its 15 National Networks in West Africa, under its Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Programme. The session, themed “The Secrets to Successful Advocacy”, formed part of the International Youth Day celebrations and aimed to strengthen youth capacity to design and implement effective advocacy initiatives at both local and national levels.
According to WANEP’s Director of Programme and Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Ifeanyi Okechukwu, equipping young people with practical tools, relevant knowledge, and guidance is essential for building peaceful and just societies. This training was part of Strategic Objective 3 of WANEP’s Strategic Plan, which seeks to “broaden peace education programmes and strengthen youth participation and voice in governance, peace, and security.”
Ms. Da-do Nora Noviekou, WANEP’s Regional YPS Programme Officer, noted that the session helped participants understand the fundamentals of successful advocacy. She expressed confidence that the skills gained will soon translate into tangible progress in addressing priority challenges in the areas of youth, peace, and security.
Delivering the training, Mr. Julien Oussou, WANEP’s Regional Coordinator for Network Development, highlighted four potential outcomes of advocacy: developing policies, reforming policies, eliminating harmful or outdated policies, and securing funding for policies. He urged participants to adopt effective communication approaches while cautioning against common pitfalls that can undermine advocacy efforts.
The 120 participants committed to organising strategic advocacy campaigns in the coming months, focusing on ten priority issues affecting young people in West Africa:
- Youth quotas in decision-making
- National Action Plans on YPS
- Gender equality
- Youth employability
- Reduction of drug abuse among youth
- Prevention and peaceful resolution of community and political conflicts
- Youth and digital inclusion
- Expansion of civic space
- Elimination of corruption in public administration
- Promotion of positive values among youth
WANEP extends its sincere appreciation to its key partners, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), whose continued support strengthens the YPS Programme and empowers young peacebuilders across West Africa and beyond.
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