Get Guardian on GoogleRenowned media and development strategist Temidayo Ibitoye was recently invited as a guest speaker at a high-level regional forum focused on “Engaging Youth in Climate, Peace, and Security.” The event brought together key stakeholders—including policymakers, development partners, civil society, and youth representatives—from across Africa to explore the intersection of climate action, peacebuilding, and youth leadership.
Speaking during a plenary session, Ibitoye emphasised the urgent need to place young people at the centre of climate and peacebuilding solutions. Drawing on his extensive experience documenting community-led responses across Africa’s border regions, he underscored the role of storytelling, media, and innovation in amplifying youth voices and driving systemic change.
“In communities often overlooked or left behind—especially in conflict-prone or climate-vulnerable zones—young people are not just victims, they are visionaries,” Ibitoye noted. “Their ideas, energy, and lived experiences must be part of any sustainable solution.”
Ibitoye’s presentation highlighted practical strategies for youth engagement, including the use of digital platforms, grassroots campaigns, and intergenerational dialogues. He also spotlighted successful youth-led initiatives documented in his work with the UNDP Resilience Hub and the Africa Borderlands Centre.
The forum, organised under the auspices of the African Union and key development partners, aimed to accelerate implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and Climate Action agendas in Africa. It also served as a platform to explore integrated policies that address climate-related security risks while empowering youth as agents of peace and resilience.
Temidayo Ibitoye’s intervention received wide acclaim for its powerful messaging and practical insights, reinforcing his growing influence as a leading voice at the intersection of media, development, and advocacy.
