By Koviao Matuzee
Young people are increasingly being recognised not only as beneficiaries of development but also as key drivers of peacebuilding, governance and national stability in Namibia.
This formed the central focus of a two-day technical training workshop on Namibia’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), held in Windhoek from 26 to 27 May 2026.
The workshop was organised by the National Youth Council of Namibia and the Namibia Youth, Peace and Security Network in partnership with the African Union Commission.
The gathering brought together young leaders and stakeholders to strengthen understanding of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and the role young people can play in building safer and more united communities.
According to the participant workbook, the YPS agenda recognises young people as active contributors to peacebuilding, social cohesion and decision-making processes.
Rather than viewing youth as risks during times of instability, the framework encourages governments and institutions to work alongside young people in preventing conflict, strengthening trust and promoting social stability within communities.
The workshop also unpacked the five pillars of the YPS agenda, namely participation, prevention, protection, partnerships, and disengagement and reintegration.
These pillars aim to ensure young people are actively included in governance processes, protected from violence and exclusion, and supported through opportunities that promote dignity, healing and constructive community involvement.
Discussions further focused on Namibia’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, which is expected to serve as a roadmap for translating policy into practical action. The framework seeks to define national priorities, strengthen co-operation between institutions and youth organisations, and establish systems that promote accountability and long-term impact.
The workbook further highlighted the importance of aligning the national action plan with existing youth, governance and peacebuilding policies through meaningful consultation with young people across the country.
