The African Union (AU) and the Government of the Republic of Burundi are convening the 5th Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Africa, under the high patronage of H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, AU Chairperson, and AU Champion for the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda. The Dialogue will be held from 10 to 12 August 2026 at the Kiriri Presidential Palace, under the theme “Water, Peace and Inclusive Leadership in Africa: Institutionalising the strategic role of youth and women in conflict prevention, crisis management and sustainable peacebuilding through responsible resource governance”. It aims to assess progress in implementing the YPS and WPS Agendas; promote synergy and intergenerational exchange; provide an update on the peace and security landscape in Africa, with a focus on climate and water-related risks; examine the nexus between water, conflict, and peacebuilding, including emerging trends and policy implications; identify challenges and opportunities for institutionalising youth and women’s roles in resource governance and peace processes; promote inclusive leadership models that integrate youth and women into decision-making structures; strengthen partnerships and coordination mechanisms among stakeholders at continental, regional, and national levels; and develop actionable recommendations to inform AU policy processes and Member State strategies for implementing the YPS, WPS, and climate-security agendas.
