Local Youth Corner Cameroon is excited to announce the upcoming Regional Symposium on Youth Participation in the Peace Process, taking place from September 18th to 20th, 2025, in Buea, South-West Region. This three-day event aims to empower young people as key actors in peacebuilding amidst the ongoing challenges in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

This three-day symposium is organized by Local Youth Corner Cameroon in collaboration with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, with technical and institutional support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, and the South West Regional Council.

The symposium will bring together 240 participants, including 200 youth and 40 high-level stakeholders, to engage in meaningful dialogue about the realities faced by youth in conflict-affected areas.

Symposium Objectives

The event will feature a rich program focused on three main themes:

• Understanding the Landscape: Day 1 will kick off with an opening ceremony and high-level advocacy session, presenting a conflict mapping report and real-life case studies of youth engagement in peacebuilding.
• Building Capacities: Day 2 will focus on equipping youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for peace engagement through workshops and panel discussions on conflict sensitivity and innovative strategies for youth-led initiatives.
• From Dialogue to Action: The final day will transform learning into actionable outcomes. Participants will collaborate to design peace campaigns and present regional action plans, culminating in a cultural celebration to honor their contributions.

Agricultural Exhibition

In addition to the symposium, an Agricultural Exhibition will run concurrently, showcasing the successes of young former combatants who have benefited from the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program. This initiative will highlight the impact of DDR on individual transformation and economic resilience, offering networking opportunities and financial literacy skills essential for sustainable development.

Expected Outcomes

Through this symposium, LOYOC aims to enhance the visibility and recognition of youth contributions to peace. Key outcomes include stronger collaboration between youth and institutions, the dissemination of a mapping report on youth-led initiatives, and the co-development of a Youth Peacebuilding Charter with actionable recommendations.