Photo by Amin Ismail, UNAMID.
UNAMID’s Community Outreach Unit (COU) organized a day-long commemoration of International Youth Day on 12 August 2017, under the global theme, ‘Youth Building Peace.’ More than 3,000 young people from El Fasher and nearby localities in North Darfur took part in a marathon, a bicycle race, an exhibition and a carnival, which were followed by drama performances and traditional dances. The programme ended with a concert featuring renowned Sudanese musician Hani Abdeen, accompanied by local talent, Hassan Aish.
The event was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the National Federation of Sudanese Youth; it took place at El Zubair Stadium. Guests of note included UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Bintou Keita; the Deputy Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, Mohammed Berima; Minister of Youth and Sport, Hikmah Ibrahim; and representatives from the UN Country Team, community leaders, youth groups as well as members of civil society.
Speaking at the occasion, DJSR Keita stated that as agents of change, young people need to be included in the peace and security agenda. “The UN Secretary General is committed to the empowerment and inclusion of young people around the world and in conflict prevention efforts,” she added, while calling upon Sudanese youth to work towards building a durable peace in Darfur.
On his part, Deputy Wali Berima expressed the Government of Sudan’s commitment to supporting Darfuri youth and requested UN partners to facilitate the construction of youth centres in North Darfur; Ms. Ibrahim urged non-signatory movements to join the ongoing peace process, during her speech.
This event was preceded by a workshop on peacebuilding and conflict resolution jointly organized by UNAMID, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the National Federation of Youth Unions, on 10 August in El Fasher, where some 80 young Darfuris signed a peace pledge.
Similar activities are taking place in the remaining four Darfur states.