Empowering Africa’s Youth for Peace and Security: EU Ambassador to AU joins the 5th Continental Dialogue in Burundi
Youth as Shapers
Speaking at the High-Level Dialogue hosted by the African Peer Review Mechanism on the thematic session “Africa Youth Charter @20 – From Promise to Prosperity,” Ambassador Niño Pérez reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to putting youth and women at the centre of peace, development and innovation.
This year’s focus on the links between water governance, peace and inclusive leadership comes at a critical time, as climate-related pressures increasingly affect communities and can intensify competition over resources, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected settings.
With nearly 70% of Africa’s population under 30, the Ambassador highlighted young people not simply as a demographic reality, but as “the continent’s greatest strategic asset.”
AUEUyouthvoiceslab, 2026
“Young people are no longer considered only beneficiaries of the EU partnership with Africa; they are recognised as its ‘shapers’.”
The message reflects a broader approach in the AU-EU partnership: young people are recognised and given platforms as active partners, innovators, peacebuilders and decision-makers.
Turning Commitment into Action
The Dialogue also highlighted concrete efforts to translate this vision into opportunities for young people. Among them is the AU – EU Youth Lab – EMPOWERING YOUTH IN AFRICA a €15 million initiative supporting youth-led advocacy, entrepreneurship, empowerment and engagement between them and institutions.
AUEUyouthvoiceslab, 2026
The initiative has already supported the development of advocacy skills among more than 24,000 young people and provided microgrants to youth-led collectives. It complements the African Union’s One Million Next Level (1MNL) Initiative, which aims to reach 300 million young Africans by 2030 through opportunities in education, employment and engagement.
Other examples of programs and opportunities:
Youth Mobility for Africa - International Partnerships
From Participation to Leadership
Ambassador Niño Pérez stressed that a significant implementation gap remains between commitments made at the policy level and the realities experienced by young people, particularly those living in conflict-affected communities.
He called for a shift “beyond consultation toward representation” and “beyond participation towards leadership”, emphasising the need to create meaningful pathways for young people to influence decisions that shape their future.
The EU’s partnership with the African Union also supports efforts to advance women’s rights and protection, including through the Spotlight Initiative which works to eliminate violence against women and girls and give them resources to build their own path and contribute to their communities.
Confidence in Africa’s Youth
Beyond the formal sessions, Ambassador Niño Pérez joined the “Africa Unplugged” podcast sharing a message of confidence with Africa’s youth energy, dynamism and creativity.
Africaunplugged, 2026
“Across Africa, I meet remarkable young women and men who are creating businesses, developing new technologies, and strengthening democracy. You are already demonstrating that Africa’s future is being built today by you. The European Union believes deeply in your potential and provides opportunities to untap it.”
The EU Delegation to the AU reaffirms its commitment to continue working hand-in-hand with the AU and African youth and women to build a more peaceful, inclusive, integrated and prosperous continent and world—where young people are not only heard, but are the voices shaping the future.
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