World Peace Day: Engage youths in peace building – TIPC advises
BY OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS
An Independent Peace Committee in Taraba State (TIPC) has said engaging youths in initiatives to enhance peace is of utmost importance.
The Chairman TIPC in the State, Prof. Talla Sunday Ngarka stated this while presenting a paper on the occasion to commemorate the International Day of Peace held yesterday at the conference Hall of Grand Shield Hotel Jalingo.
The event organized by an NGO, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) with the theme, ‘Cultivating a culture of Peace’, Ngarka who doubles as Professor of African Diplomatic History, Taraba State University said engaging youths in peace building is essential.
He said engaging the young people in programmes that offer leadership training, civic engagement opportunities, and conflict resolution skills can prepare the next generation to be ambassadors of peace.
According to him, youth – led initiatives should be supported as young people often bring innovative solutions to the table.
Prof. Ngarka further disclosed that poverty and unemployment are root causes of violence said economic empowerment should be encouraged.
“By providing economic opportunities particularly for marginalized groups, factors that lead to conflict can be reduced, peace building efforts must be linked with economic development development initiatives to ensure that all individuals have a stake in a peaceful society”,
“As we celebrate the 2024 World Peace Day, we must remember that peace is not just the absence of of conflict but a proactive effort to create conditions that foster harmony, justice, and cooperation”,
“Cultivating a culture of peace requires the commitment of every one of us, governments, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, educators and the generality of the citizenry”, he said.
He also emphasized that the media has a role to play in peace building.
“The media can be a tool for peace when it highlights stories of reconciliation, coexistence, and non-violent conflict resolution, journalists and media houses must adopt responsible reporting practices that promote Peace and not division”.
TIPC boss also noted that civil
society organizations, like Search for Common Ground, are instrumental in bridging the gap between government and communities.
“They serve as mediators, advocates, and Peace builders on the ground. In regions plagued by conflict, civil society can help de-escalate tensions, provide platforms for dialogue, and empower local communities to take ownership of peace efforts”, he added.
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In an address of welcome earlier, the project Coordinator SFCG, Dubi Sonam stressed the need for continuous education of the youth on the values of tolerance and empathy.
Sonam added that continuous education of the young people will earn them the opportunity to grow up in a society that values unity over division.
He explained the mission of Search for Common Ground (SFCG) was to transform the way the world deals with conflict, saying it’s far away from adversarial approaches and towards cooperative solutions.
