UPF–Mali Engages Youth on Peace, Climate, and Digital Leadership for a Sustainable Future

Written by UPF-Africa

Sunday, 21 September 2025

Bamako, Mali – The Universal Peace Federation (UPF–Mali), in collaboration with its partners, commemorated the International Day of Peace 2025 with a youth-focused awareness program held at the Collège Secondaire Moderne Adjara (CSMA) under the theme:
“Youth and Peace in the Era of Climate and Digital Transformation: Engagement, Inclusion, and Leadership for a Sustainable Future.”

UPF–Mali Engages Youth on Peace, Climate, and Digital Leadership for a Sustainable Future

Organized in partnership with Action Jeune Femme pour le Développement Durable (AJFDD) and the Regroupement des Orphelins (RDO), the event aimed to strengthen the participation of Malian youth in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and sustainable development amid the growing challenges of climate change and digital transformation.

Interactive Youth Panel on Peace and Sustainability

The program featured a panel discussion that engaged young leaders and experts on the interlinkages between environmental responsibility, digital inclusion, and peace.
Two main sub-themes guided the dialogue:

• “Climate, Resources, and Conflict: What Role for Youth?” presented by Mr. Djakaridja Sangaré, Secretary General of AJFDD.

• “Youth Leadership for Peace: Inclusion, Gender, and Civic Participation” presented by Mrs. Tounkara Kadidiatou Sako Traoré, President of AJFDD and Ambassador for Peace.

The session was moderated by Mr. Alou Diarra, Deputy Secretary General of UPF–Mali, who facilitated an open exchange of perspectives and innovative ideas among the participants.

Youth as Catalysts for Change

The discussions underscored a central message: Malian youth are not only victims of conflict—they are part of the solution. Participants agreed that peacebuilding and sustainable progress require young people to be trained, included, and empowered as active contributors to national development.

The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between youth, policymakers, and community leaders to build a peaceful, equitable, and resilient Mali.

Participation

The commemoration brought together 40 participants, including:

• UPF–Mali leadership and members;

• Youth representatives and Ambassadors for Peace;

• Partners from AJFDD, RDO, and CSMA;

• Community leaders and educators.

Closing and Reflections

In his closing remarks, Mr. Parfait Dena, Secretary General of UPF–Mali, emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the shared responsibility of citizens in nurturing peace and social harmony.
Mr. Chiaka Berthé, UPF–Mali’s Communication Secretary, and two youth representatives reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace education and environmental awareness throughout the country.