UNFPA organized a ten-day consultations on peace, security and social cohesion among youth community leaders from 18-29 April 2023 aimed at involving young people in reconciliation and social cohesion in northern Ethiopia. The consultations were organized as part of UNFPA's support to the national recovery and post-conflict peacebuilding process in partnership with the Tigray Youth Association and Talent Youth Association.

The devastating conflict that erupted in November 2020 and lasted for two years seriously affected people, resulted in huge loss of properties and led to massive internal displacements and flight of people to neighbouring countries. The conflict has especially affected young people creating a heightened sense of mistrust and insecurity as demonstrated by the testimonies gathered from young people in the three conflict-affected regions in northern Ethiopia.

More than two hundred youth drawn from Addis Ababa and Afar, Amhara and Tigray Regions participated in the training through focus group discussions and online consultations.  The consultations and discussions were used to gather ideas from young people on the promotion of social cohesion and the restoration of trust and good understanding between them for a sustainable peace. Young people from different walks of life and socio-political backgrounds including young people living with disabilities due to war, young ex-combatants, young internally displaced people, and young people living with trauma from the recent conflicts were participated.

“We are ready and committed to contribute to peace; the weapons and guns should be silent for good; yes to peace no to violence; stop spreading rumours that can cause potential violence; destroying is easy but building is difficult; and I am ready to help and guide my peers for them to make good decisions in life,” were some of the strong messages that came out of the discussions and consultations.

The outcomes of the consultations will enable UNFPA and other partners to put in place good peacebuilding and social cohesion programmes that meet the needs expressed by young people such as social therapies, community dialogues on peace, medical and psychosocial support, incomes generating activities and skills building.