The EU as a reliable partner for youth peacebuilding in Malawi

In the city of Zomba, young people help to create safe and inclusive spaces for girl students and young people. This project empowering girls in private schools by promoting leadership skills, confidence and providing them with positive role models. There are also safe spaces where the students can discuss challenging topics including harmful social and cultural practices, while encouraging a collaborative approach towards finding appropriate solutions to these issues.

Intergenerational transitioning of leadership is not just about passing the torch, it is a delicate dance between the experienced wisdom of the past and the innovative energy of the future. It is in this dynamic exchange that the flame of progress is fuelled, lighting the path for the youth to rise and shine as the leaders of tomorrow.

Malawi-based young peacebuilder Davie Zumba

The EU supports these efforts as part of its Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, by providing participants with access to new platforms, partnerships and wider opportunities for youth participation.

Linking education to community action

This project also helps students to understand the link between academic learning and the wider world, in particular the international development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, which can bring direct benefits to their everyday lives. In this way, students gain an appreciation of how education can contribute to leadership, community action and long-term societal change.

This approach helps young people understand that peacebuilding is not separate from everyday life, but closely connected to education, opportunity and participation. It also supports a stronger culture of responsibility and engagement among students and communities in Zomba.

The goal of these efforts is to enable girls and young people to become informed and confident leaders, able to promote dialogue, support academic excellence and contribute to sustainable development in their communities.

Partnerships that create opportunities

The experience in Malawi illustrates the value of partnerships that place young people at the centre. Through youth policy dialogue, cultural engagement and participation in wider YPS conversations, youth activists have been able to strengthen their contribution to peacebuilding while also advocating for greater youth inclusion in policy and public life.

By supporting youth leadership, safe dialogue spaces and community-based engagement, such initiatives are helping to create more inclusive pathways for peace and participation in Malawi.

Europe as a reliable partner

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European Union, 2026