The National Forum on Youth, Peace and Security Agenda

• Hon. Dotto Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister of United Republic of Tanzania
• Hon. Ridhiwani Kikwete (MP), Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities
• Mr. Albert Chalamila, Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam
• Mr. Joseph Brighton Malekela, Executive Director of The African Leadership Initiatives for Impact
• Mr. Shaibu Mohamed, Director of Youth Development of Zanzibar
• Government Officials
• Directors, Heads of organizations 
• Religious leaders
• Members of the Press
• Ladies and gentlemen 

Habari za Asubuhi! (Good morning)

It is truly an honor to join you today on behalf of the United Nations System in Tanzania. We gather here, united by a shared commitment to the development and empowerment of young people, and it is both inspiring and encouraging to see such strong representation from the Government of Tanzania. I would like to take a moment to commend the government’s enduring dedication to fostering an environment where young people can thrive, not only as future leaders but as key contributors to our society’s present and future.

The active participation of the Honorable Deputy Minister and the Minister of Youth in today’s forum is a powerful testament to the government's ongoing efforts to promote youth inclusion, especially in decision-making processes related to peace, security, and sustainable development. This commitment comes at a pivotal time, as the world grapples with significant challenges - from conflict and inequality to the effects of climate change - and we know that young people are critical to finding and implementing solutions that ensure a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future.

The UN in Tanzania is proud to stand with the Government of Tanzania in these efforts. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard, amplified, and integrated into all levels of policy and decision-making. In the lead-up to the highly anticipated UN Summit of the Future, we jointly partnered with youth, civil society organizations and people with Disabilities to collect and elevate the perspectives of Tanzanians. It is our belief that the views and aspirations of young people are essential not only for informing national strategies but also for shaping the global agenda. Their insights will be presented at the Summit, where leaders from around the world will gather to discuss the future we are building together - one that is inclusive, resilient, and driven by the goals of peace and sustainable development.

Today’s forum also serves as a meaningful precursor to the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, which we will observe tomorrow in Mtwara Region. Peace is a fundamental pillar of all that we strive for at the United Nations, and its significance cannot be overstated. As we look around the world today, we see peace under siege in too many places, conflicts that have devastated communities, displaced millions, and left a lasting legacy of trauma and destruction. But peace is not only the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, equality, and opportunity. It is the very foundation upon which sustainable development is built.

Allow me now to share with you the message of the United Nations Secretary-General for this year’s Peace Day 2024:

"Everywhere we look, peace is under attack. From Gaza to Sudan, from Ukraine and beyond, we see civilians caught in the crossfire, homes destroyed, and entire populations traumatized by the horrors of conflict. This catalogue of human suffering must end. Our world desperately needs peace—the ultimate prize for all humanity. This International Day of Peace reminds us that the solutions to our challenges lie within our grasp. Building a culture of peace requires us to replace division, inequality, and despair with justice, equality, and hope for all. It calls for a focus on preventing conflicts, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting human rights, and combating all forms of discrimination and hatred. The upcoming Summit of the Future is a critical opportunity to move forward in our pursuit of these goals. Together, we must seize this moment and lay the groundwork for a future where peace, justice, and equality flourish across the globe."

In alignment with this message, the UN System in Tanzania remains committed to promoting peace, security, and social cohesion through our ongoing support for young people. Our approach is multifaceted, encompassing education, capacity-building, and direct engagement through UN funded programs and initiatives designed to empower youth as agents of change in their communities. We recognize that young people hold tremendous potential to influence positive change, particularly when it comes to fostering a culture of peace. It is their energy, innovation, and optimism that we must harness to address the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.

We aim to continue supporting the work to equip young people with the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding efforts. Our collaboration with youth organizations and civil society organizations ensures that we are not only responding to the needs of youth but also co-creating solutions with them.

I would also like to highlight the United Nations' commitment to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of young women. Gender inclusivity remains a key focus of our work, particularly in peace and security initiatives. We believe that for any peacebuilding process to be truly sustainable, it must be inclusive, ensuring that young women are equally represented and able to participate fully in all aspects of society, from economic development to political decision-making.

In this regard, we are fostering strategic partnerships across various sectors, working with governments, local communities, and international organizations to expand the opportunities available to young people. These partnerships are vital to realizing the vision we share for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable Tanzania.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize how greatly encouraged we are by the Tanzanian government's unwavering commitment to youth development and peacebuilding. Rest assured, the UN in Tanzania will continue to collaborate closely with the Government of Tanzania and its people to strengthen peace, enhance security, and create opportunities for young people to thrive. We are confident that, together, we can make significant strides toward achieving the peace and sustainable development we all aspire to.

Thank you once again for your time, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.

Asanteni sana!