In a landmark event held on the sidelines of the 37th AU Summit, the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the World Bank Group (WBG), the United Nations (UN), and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), convened a critical discussion under the theme “Ensuring the Right to Equitable and Inclusive Quality Education to Break and Prevent Cycles of Violence in Africa.” This event, which took place on 13 February 2024 at the Ramada Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, forms part of a broader, UK FCDO-supported joint programme (2023-2025) aimed at enhancing the AU’s capacity to mitigate and prevent conflicts across the continent.
The event marked a significant moment in the ongoing cooperation between the AU, UN, and WBG, which began over a decade ago with a focus on supporting Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) initiatives. Over the years, this collaboration has evolved to encompass human rights, governance, early warning systems, and conflict prevention, making it a cornerstone of Africa’s efforts to build lasting peace.
With 2024 being the Year of Education for the AU, the meeting offered a unique opportunity to explore the intricate link between education and conflict prevention. Participants, including representatives from AU PAPS, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), African Youth Ambassadors for Peace, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and members of the diplomatic community, engaged in robust discussions on how inclusive and equitable education can serve as a powerful tool to disrupt the cycles of violence that have plagued the continent.
The event underscored the importance of adopting a human rights-based approach to education, emphasizing that universal access to quality education is not only a fundamental right but also a critical element in addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty and the formation of armed groups. By strengthening resilience through education, the AU and its partners aim to contribute significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063, and the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the need for continued commitment and collaboration among African nations and international partners to ensure that education serves as a cornerstone for peacebuilding and sustainable development across the continent. The insights and outcomes from this gathering will guide future efforts in leveraging education as a means to foster stability and prevent conflict in Africa.
For a detailed overview of the discussions and key takeaways, read the full Outcome Report.