SA and Finland launch global youth peace mediators’ programme

By Johnathan Paoli

South Africa and Finland have officially launched the South African leg of the groundbreaking Youth Peace Mediators Mentoring Programme, a new initiative to empower young leaders in global peacebuilding efforts.

Co-implemented by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the one-year programme is designed to develop a dynamic network of young peacebuilders equipped to resolve conflicts and rebuild societies affected by war and instability.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola emphasised the importance of empowering youth as peace agents, particularly during Youth Month — a time when South Africa commemorates the historic 1976 Soweto Uprising.

“This is not some distant tragedy; it is the lived reality of women and children in eastern DRC, Sudan, Gaza and other places across our wounded world. By building bridges across continents, we reaffirm that young people are