Background
The universality of human rights presents us with a platform for critical discussions on the role of intercultural dialogue (ICD) in peace building. Cultural foundations and dimensions of human rights is linked with the current state of affairs in Africa. As part of commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, this call seeks to highlight the important role intercultural dialogue plays in fostering peace and inclusion, as well as creating conducive environments for sustainable development.
Through the UNESCO Framework for Enabling Intercultural Dialogue, we now understand that 89% of current conflicts are occurring in countries with low capacities for dialogue. In Africa, 96% of forcibly displaced people at the end of 2020 were from countries with low capacities for dialogue. Recently, at the Africa Regional Launch of the UNESCO Framework for Enabling Intercultural Dialogue, it was emphasized that the scope of intercultural dialogue reiterates the need to enhance youth voices and contributions to ongoing conversations within the peace and security frame. It was also evident that the success of intercultural dialogue relies heavily on youth contributions.
Action
To advance the conversation started at the Regional Launch of the UNESCO Framework for Enabling Intercultural Dialogue, the Research and Policy Analysis Unit of the Africa Peace and Security Programme (APSP) of the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in collaboration with UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and the Institute for Economics and Peace, is making a call for abstracts targeting individuals under the age of 35 (definition of youth according to the African Union Youth Charter) to develop policy briefs on the following themes:
- Intercultural Dialogue and Conflict Management in East Africa through the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Frame
- Cultural Interaction and Peace: Programmatic Options for the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC)
Important Note:
- Submissions are expected to draw from the concepts advanced by the background materials [see the last section of this call].
- The submissions may be single or co-authored by a maximum of two individuals.
- The submission must focus on a specific country in East Africa, particularly IGAD and EAC member states.
- The title of your submission must not exceed 15 words.
- The abstract must not exceed 200 words and must be relevant to either of the two thematic issues stated above. The abstract should indicate the methodology (possible data sources and method of analysis) that will be used.
- A total of three (3) abstracts per theme will be shortlisted for development into a policy brief.
- The policy brief will be published by the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Addis Ababa, in partnership with UNESCO and the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
- The Briefs will be considered for policy follow-up (and action) through a policy dialogue with relevant institutions and stakeholders.
- The call is open to all individuals under the age of 35 (definition of youth according to the African Union Youth Charter) who are nationals of any East African country.
- Women and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are encouraged to apply.
- The review process will be a joint effort between UNESCO, IEP, and the Research and Policy Unit of IPSS.
- The final selection will be strictly based on merit.
Submission
Applicants should send their abstracts to policyanalysis@ipss-addis.org and keep d.onyango@unesco.org and Harare@economicsandpeace.org in copy, on or before 30 September 2023. Keep j.akamo@ipss-addis.org in copy. The subject line of the email must be “ICD Submission: IPSS, UNESCO, IEP”.
Deadline is 30 September 2023.
For inquiries, send an email to j.akamo@ipss-addis.org.
Background materials
- We Need to Talk: measuring intercultural dialogue for peace and inclusion: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000382874
- UNESCO Framework for Enabling Intercultural Dialogue: https://www.unesco.org/en/enabling-interculturaldialogue
- UNESCO’s e-platform on Intercultural Dialogue: https://www.unesco.org/interculturaldialogue/en
- Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security (AU): https://www.peaceau.org/uploads/continental-framework-on-youth-peace-and-security-english.pdf
- A Study on the Roles and Contributions of Youth to Peace and Security in Africa: https://www.peaceau.org/en/article/a-study-on-the-roles-and-contributions-of-youth-to-peace-and-security-in-africa
For IPSS Policy Briefs samples see – https://ipss-addis.org/download-category/policy-brief-analysis/