By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Major General Richard Addo Gyane, has underscored the vital importance of integrating youth into peace and security initiatives – emphasising that their involvement is crucial for sustainable development across Africa.
Addressing the ‘E-Learning International Conference’ at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Major General Gyane highlighted challenges posed to the continent’s youth driven by factors such as unemployment, which exposes the youth to various risks.
“African countries have a youth bulge arising out of several factors – including unemployment which exposes the youth to all kinds of challenges that, if not handled properly, could have disastrous results for the community.
“It is critical to engage the youth in matters that concern peace and security; not for democratic considerations but because they possess a collective positive potential that, if tapped, could accrue to the state and society’s benefit,” he stressed.
In response to these challenges, the Major General mentioned that KAIPTC has expanded its renowned Women Peace and Security Institute to include youth – renaming it the Women, Youth Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI). This initiative aligns with UN Resolution 2250 which addresses the role of youth in peacebuilding, recognising their potential to drive positive societal transformation.
Major General Gyane emphasised the need for youth to commit to peace, social justice and a life free from social vices. To support this, KAIPTC is leveraging technology to engage the youth in peacebuilding efforts – evident in its robust eLearning portfolio, which includes courses in conflict resolution, human rights and more.
These programs aim to equip young people with the skills needed to navigate complex challenges in conflict zones and promote sustainable peacebuilding.
“I anticipate a rapid expansion of our E-Learning initiatives to overcome any significant hurdle – including technological infrastructure limitations, varying digital literacy levels among participants and the need for continuous adaptation to evolving pedagogical methodologies. Situations like these underscore the importance of robust support mechanisms and strategic management in ensuring sustained effectiveness for digital education programmes,” he said.
He further noted that eLearning initiatives must significantly contribute to advancing peace and security in Africa. “By equipping peacekeepers and security professionals with advanced skills and knowledge, we empower them to navigate complex challenges in conflict zones and promote sustainable peacebuilding efforts across the continent,” he said.
This year’s E-Learning International Conference was held under the theme ‘Fostering Excellence in E-Learning Across Diverse Disciplines: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects‘.
