“The betterment of our continent, and the world, is a shared responsibility, and we each have a role to play.” Cynthia Chigwenya
Cynthia Chigwenya is a peace and security expert. She has served as an African Youth Ambassador for Peace for Southern Africa. She has also participated in the #Tana Forum in 2022. Here she shares her experience and insights on the role of Africa’s youth in peace and security.
Below are some of her messages to young people:
1. “If there are opportunities within your community and your country for young people to engage with the national government, even if this is not a very popular option, engage with your national government and local council. You may not have the same political views, but when it comes to issues of development, these are issues that affect all of us. It is getting more and more important for all of us to contribute towards a better country and a better Africa, as well as a better world.”
2. “We are not going to wake up tomorrow with a better Africa, a safer Zimbabwe, a safer South Africa, if we are not intentional about contributing to that. And therein lies the essence of leadership. You may not need to join a big organisation, but where you are, what can you do about someone else or future generations? The betterment of our continent, and the world, is a shared responsibility, and we each have a role to play.”
Read more of Cynthia’s insights on peace and security and the role of young people on: https://hesphina.com/2025/01/06/tana-at-ten-publications/
Institute for Peace and Security Studies