The African Union's Youth for Peace (Africa) Program (Y4P) was established by the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS) in September 2018 to advance the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda. Its primary aim is to involve African youth in peace and security efforts while discouraging their engagement in violence. To boost youth participation in these crucial matters, the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) requested the appointment of five African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) who work alongside the AU Youth Envoy to champion peace and security across the continent.

The AYAPs, supervised by the PAPS Department of the African Union Commission (AUC), have a mission to promote and advocate for youth involvement in regional and continent-wide peace and security issues. They focus on realizing the five priorities outlined in the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace, and Security (CFYPS), guided by the AU Youth Charter and United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

The first cohort of AYAPs was selected in 2019 and served a two-year term, while the second cohort was appointed in 2022 for a similar term. These ambassadors play a vital role in advocating for youth rights, raising awareness about the CFYPS, supporting member states in implementing the Y4P program, and engaging in regional youth activities that align with CFYPS priorities.

To be eligible for this role, applicants should be African youths between the ages of 15 to 35, possess relevant educational qualifications or experience in peace and security, have a record of promoting peace processes, exhibit strong community engagement, and possess excellent communication skills in one of the AU's working languages.

The AYAPs' mission revolves around the CFYPS priorities, which include advocating for youth participation in decision-making, promoting prevention of conflicts, ensuring protection of young people during armed conflicts, fostering partnerships and coordination, and supporting disengagement and rehabilitation efforts for youth affected by armed or extremist groups.

Scroll down for more details and click on the attached official link to start your application