An office has been launched in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon for Global Peace. The move forms part of the goals of Global Peace to decentralize its operations across Africa and the world. Global Peace, as an international organization is focused on youth-led development initiatives, peacebuilding and social cohesion, officially launched its Cameroon office this week, committing to place young Cameroonians at the forefront of efforts to build a united and prosperous nation.
The launch which was held on the theme “From Potential To Peace: Building A Cohesive Cameroon Through Youth Agency” had in attendance government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and over 150 youth and student delegates from all 10 regions of Cameroon.
In his opening remarks, the Global Coordinator General of Global Peace, Mr. Kobla Asamani described the launch as a milestone in Global Peace’s commitment to Africa’s youth. Mr. Asamani further noted that Cameroon is a country of immense potential, diversity, creativity, and most importantly, its young people represent the foundation for a peaceful future. The theme for today’s launch, ‘from Potential to Peace,’ is a recognition that peace is not accidental, but rather built, and it is built by those who have the most at stake, which is the “youth,” he said.
Speaking at the Launch, the Coordinator of the South Union of Human Rights Association in Cameroon, Rev. Sama Ndaghu said that many countries in the region, faces complex challenges including inter-community tensions, misinformation online, and limited opportunities for youth participation. She therefore remarked that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without meaningfully engaging the generation that makes up more than 60% of the population. Rev. Sama Ndaghu therefore commended Global Peace for establishing its presence in Cameroon citing that Government cannot do this alone. She therefore called for the need for partners and stakeholders to come together to develop the capacity of young people that will directly impact the national priorities of Cameroon.
During the launch, Global Peace Cameroon unveiled its strategic focus for the next three years, built around three pillars namely:
1. Youth Leadership and Digital Advocacy which will focus on the rise of hate speech and disinformation on social media. In view of this, Global Peace will train young digital creators, journalists, and influencers to promote messages of tolerance, fact-checking, and counter-narratives. Global Peace will also equip youth and students with dialogue and mediation skills.
2. Dialogue and Social Cohesion that will facilitate inter-community and inter-faith dialogues, bringing together youth, women, traditional authorities, and local government to address tensions before they escalate. Special attention therefore will be given to border communities and areas affected by displacement.
3. Peace and Prosperity will recognize the link between peace and livelihoods. Global Peace will support youth entrepreneurship, civic participation, and community development projects. The goal is to ensure that peacebuilding is not separated from jobs, education, and opportunity.
The Country Representative of Global Peace Cameroon, Solomon Ateh said the theme “from Potential to Peace” means unlocking the agency that already exists in the Cameroonian youth and giving it structures, resources, and platforms since peace is the foundation for development. What Global Peace is doing by investing in youth agency aligns perfectly with the work of the UN in Cameroon and the Government of Cameroon Mr. Ateh added.
A Member of the Legal Team at the Global Peace Headquarters, Mama Dzidoasi I, Lawyer/Arbitrator and Sub-Divisional Queen of the Gbi Traditional Council of Hohoe in Ghana, administered the swearing-in of the 11 member executive team for the Global Peace Cameroon Country Office. The executives are Mr. Solomon Ateh, Country Representative; Sirri Cynthia Wakuna, Coordinator; Mabu Rene, Administrator; Mbua Peter Junior, International Relations Officer, Chai Basil; Programmes Officer One; Ako Polycarp, Programmes Officer Two; Ancel Langwa, Project Officer; Rennet Ayuk, Communications Officer; Nyangono Ernestine Joy, Finance Officer; Agese Louneta, Treasurer and Ako Peter, Technical Adviser.
