Ghazaly Represents the Youth of the Continent at the Continental Workshop of the African Peer Review Mechanism
Anthropological researcher Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Global Solidarity Network, participated with a policy paper titled “Ways to Engage Youth and Civil Society in Addressing Key Conflict Drivers in Africa,” during the continental workshop organized by the African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security in collaboration with the African Peer Review Mechanism. The workshop, focused on activating the continental framework for conflict prevention under the theme “Sharing Experiences Among Member States,” was held in Cairo, Egypt, over three days in July 2024. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various AU bodies, international partners, and donors.
This event is part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts with the African Union Commission and its affiliated bodies to enhance conflict prevention in Africa. Key topics discussed included the development and implementation of strategies to encourage member states to participate in the Country Structural Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment (CSVRA) and the Country Structural Vulnerability Mitigation Strategy (CSVMS). The workshop aimed to equip member states with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their participation in these processes, develop an effective communication strategy among member states, and reinforce the role of civil society components.
In his speech, Ghazaly emphasized the pivotal role of civil society in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Africa. He highlighted that involving civil society in the CSVRA/CVMS process is crucial for achieving conflict prevention and peacebuilding goals. This process involves a broad range of actors, such as NGOs, academics, religious institutions, youth, and women, ensuring transparent and credible assessments, providing diverse insights, and mobilizing community support for the participatory implementation of awareness programs and government plans.
Ghazaly also outlined ways to effectively engage civil society in the assessment process, including enhancing dialogue and consultation, building capacities through training and technical support, and promoting youth and women’s participation. He stressed the importance of developing strategic partnerships between civil society and governments and involving local communities in the assessment process to deepen the understanding of local contexts. Ghazaly advocated using digital technology, educational games, art, and culture as tools to raise awareness about the continental conflict prevention framework, citing the Global Solidarity Network’s experience, which includes 15 projects and initiatives operating on similar principles, focusing on stakeholder and beneficiary engagement in planning before execution.
He added that Egypt is committed to involving civil society in policy-making and decision-making through various strategic initiatives. One notable example is the National Alliance for Civil Action, which enhances the role of civil organizations in achieving sustainable development and meeting community needs. Ghazaly also pointed to the Youth Parties Coordination as a pioneering model for youth representation and political participation. Additionally, he highlighted the Women Lead Program, part of the National Training Academy under the Presidency, as a significant initiative for empowering women and enhancing their leadership and policy-making roles. These initiatives ensure more balanced and inclusive representation of all societal segments, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to promoting community participation and serving as a model for civil society engagement in various issues, especially in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Ghazaly urged policymakers, African youth council leaders, and civil society organizations to strengthen the CSVRA/CVMS processes and achieve the desired objectives by focusing on capacity building, enhancing cooperation with grassroots actors, and organizing awareness campaigns with local partners to reflect people’s needs and engage with their genuine desires. He emphasized the importance of conducting these awareness campaigns in villages and rural areas in collaboration with government bodies and local forces, rather than in five-star hotels.
In concluding his policy paper presentation, Ghazali stressed the importance of developing partnerships with academic institutions and experts, promoting community participation through public hearings and local workshops, and enhancing interactive education through educational games and simulations. He also highlighted the need to promote art and cultural concepts among the general public and support the development and use of digital technology by creating participatory online platforms, adopting policies that support youth and civil society engagement, and establishing transparent, accountable mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of recommendations and providing periodic progress reports. Ghazaly affirmed that these joint efforts would contribute to creating a sustainable and secure environment for everyone in Africa.
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) workshop concluded with a certificate of appreciation ceremony, led by Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of the APRM, honoring distinguished participants for their collaboration and deep insights into African issues. Ambassador Quatre extended special thanks to the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the event and to all partners for their support in making this important workshop possible.
