Annual Theme: ”Youth in Peace Processes and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflicts”
Date: November 14th – 15th, 2024
Location: Buea, Cameroon 

Cameroon, 14 to 15th November 2024 – The upcoming University Lecture for Peace in Africa (ULPA), an annual platform for dialogue and reflection on peace and security, is set to take place in Buea, Cameroon, from November 14th to 15th, 2024. This year’s lecture, under the theme “Youth in Peace Processes and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflicts.” The event seeks to create a safe space for peace building academia, practitioners and students to reflect, develop and advocate for sustainable policies and grassroots actions that secure a peaceful future for Cameroon’s youth, addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of conflict on young people and children. The event is organized by Local Youth Corner Cameroon and WeBuild, in collaboration with the Dallaire Institute on Children Peace and Security, funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Canadian Government Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs). 

The lecture will address one of the continent’s most pressing challenges: the recruitment of youth and children by armed groups. African countries continue to grapple with the impact of armed conflicts on young people, often in vulnerable communities. Youth remain at risk, facing coercion, ideological persuasion, or economic pressures that pull them into cycles of violence. Despite existing international frameworks, including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, many young people in Cameroon’s conflict zones remain vulnerable. This university lecture also seeks to spark further peace-oriented initiatives and youth-centered programs to build resilient communities capable of shielding their young members from the lure or threat of armed recruitment.

ULPA 2024 will explore comprehensive strategies to involve youth in peacebuilding and protect children from armed conflict. By connecting students, youth leaders, educators, and policymakers, the lecture will foster a shared commitment to developing policies and grassroots actions that ensure a safer, peaceful future for the continent’s youth. 

Event Highlights 

The two-day program will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops on topics such as: 

• Youth as agents of change in peace processes: Recognizing young people as powerful voices for peace. 

• Prevention of child recruitment and exploitation in armed conflicts: Exploring effective measures and community-based protections. 

• Government and community interventions: Understanding the role of local and national efforts in protecting vulnerable youth. 

• The psychological impact of conflict: Addressing the mental health consequences of conflict on children and youth. 

• Gender-specific challenges: Tackling the unique obstacles girls and boys face in conflict zones. 

• The role of education and media: Promoting awareness and resilience through education and information. 

The Keynote will be delivered by Dr. Catherine Baillie Abidi she is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Child and Youth Study at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has over 25 years of humanitarian, violence prevention and peacebuilding experience.  

Dr Catherine Baillie Abidi: Assistant Professor Mount Saint Vincent University-Canada

Expected Outcomes ULPA 2024 aims to deepen understanding of youth peacebuilding roles, highlight key strategies to prevent child recruitment and strengthen collaboration among government bodies, civil society, and youth organizations. Participants will gain practical insights into advocacy and campaign development for sustainable peace efforts. 

Engage, Learn, Advocate for Peace 

The University Lecture for Peace in Africa (ULPA) 2024 invites youth leaders, researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to join this landmark event in Buea, Cameroon. Together, we can build a continent where young people lead the way toward peace and where the safety and rights of all children are upheld. 

For more information, email us at info@loyocameroon.org or contact us at +237 650 906 256. Let’s come together for a dialogue on peace, security, and the invaluable role of youth in shaping Africa’s future.