Photos

Builders of Peace: Youth Leading Actions for Change in West and Central Africa

We are proud to present our special photo essay featuring the dynamic and inspiring contributions of young women and men from across West and Central Africa. Through these powerful images, we invite you to witness the stories of youth who are leading the way in building a culture of peace, resilience, and prosperity in their communities.

Each photograph captures a moment of action, determination, and hope—showcasing the role of young people in addressing key challenges such as climate action, good governance, social cohesion, health service delivery, and the fight against gender-based violence. From candid portraits to snapshots of youth-led initiatives, these images reflect the energy, passion, and leadership that are shaping a peaceful future for our region.

Samson, as project coordinator for the 'Northwest Climate Peace Hubs,' is empowering vulnerable communities by training 500 youth in conflict prevention, climate action, and early response.

The security situation in the Sahel has led to significant population displacement in northern Benin. To support these displaced communities, UNFPA, in partnership with the Beninese Red Cross, is providing sexual and reproductive health services and distributing dignity and childbirth kits in the Atacora regionThedelivery of these essential services and resources to the affected populations, ensuring their access to critical health support amidst the ongoing crisis.

Young peacebuilders Rafiu Lawal and Anthonia Lawal of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation in Nigeria are spearheading humanitarian efforts to support frontline communities. Since 2018, they have delivered aid to over 2,000 elderly, widows, and daily earners facing challenges in accessing food and essential items in remote areas.

A Youth Advisory Panel Member, collaborating with a member of the Barkatown Disability is Not an Inability group in a campaign against drug abuse.

Salissou shares the outcomes of community consultations on the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda in N'Djamena, Chad, ahead of the 4th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum. The gathering brought together young leaders, government officials, and partners to exchange insights and recommendations for advancing regional peace and security. The event is supported by the African Union, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, UNFPA, Plan International, and Local Youth Corner- Cameroon.

Young men and women led the co-creation of the Terms of Reference for Liberia's Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Coalition. Through a participatory process with civil society, youth-led organisations, government, and the UN, they shaped the coalition's goals, structure, and roles, ensuring it reflected a collective vision and empowered youth as key leaders of the YPS agenda.

Anthonia Folashade, a young women peacebuilder from Nigeria, is leading initiatives to combat hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation while fostering social cohesion across the country. Through the 'Together for Peace: Combating Hate Speech Online and Offline' project, Anthonia is training young people on fact-checking, rumor management, and using tools to counter harmful narratives both online and offline. Her efforts are empowering youth to promote peace and unity in their communities.

During a dynamic discussion organized by Youth Advocates Ghana, the focus was on SDG 16—promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. The room was alive with the enthusiasm of young changemakers, who fervently shared their visions and ideas for a more secure and equitable future.

Jara Sikhou Kamara, a young women peacebuilder, actively raises awareness in her community, championing peace and empowerment.

In this photo, young volunteers from the Faith, Hope & Love (FHL) Group Africa (a youth-led group), alongside community members, are contributing to peace and stability through the 'Community Canvas Project.' Using murals as a form of artistic activism, they help foster community cohesion to raise awareness about reproductive health, adolescent empowerment, and social issues like teen pregnancy and drug abuse

Captured on September 5, 2024, in Cotonou, this photo highlights the conclusion of an exchange meeting between young Beninese leaders and the AU Youth Ambassador for Peace, focusing on the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda.

Cyrille Ouédraogo, QG JEUNE ambassador, engages with Rosine, 17, to raise awareness about accessing quality sexual and reproductive health information through the QG JEUNE platform. This one-on-one initiative aims to empower young people by sharing crucial Sexual reproductive health information with their peers.

This photo was taken during a moment of fraternity in Tchébébé, a commune in Togo's central region (270 km from Lomé), after an awareness-raising session on menstrual hygiene with girls' clubs. The event was part of the implementation of the project: “Action des filles pour la paix dans les communautés /Girls Action for Peace in Communities” funded by UNFPA, which aims to build the capacity of girls in the region and involve them in peacebuilding processes in their communities.

A volunteer from Faith, Hope & Love Group Africa uses wall murals to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote peace.