The Youth for Peace Concert took place on the 16^th October, 2011 at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, time 6.30pm – 8.30pm. The event dubbed, “Michael Jackson Peace Concert”, featured a Michael Jackson themed dance and poetry performance by youth groups in Ghana. Michael Jackson’s music tends to communicate a consensus of peace building and this is being encouraged as the CALL TO THE YOUTH.

The focus of UNESCO is to provide more opportunities for youth to broaden their engagement in social, political and public life, whether through undertaking projects for the betterment of society, participating in mentorship programs, establishing constituencies of peace, forming clubs or societies that have social goals and purposes, or benefiting from programs that grant them access to gainful employment.

We encourage your participation and hope that you will share your perspectives and experiences.

Reflecting on recent events in Tunisia, Egypt and Syria, one cannot underestimate the role of the youth in good governance and peace building in the world today. Peace-oriented behaviours and attitudes, similar to conflict-oriented behaviours and attitudes, can, at least partially, be learned[i]. Peace building programs should focus on the integration of the youth within social and political processes and institutions in order to forestall efforts to mobilize youth to perpetuate conflict.  As Gandhi stated:

“if we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children” (Mahatma Gandhi, cited by Drew, 1987, preface)[ii].

More recently, Ghana fairly progressed through its immediate past presidential elections (2008) which was a close call.  Campaigning in the runoff elections was “less amicable, with both sides making vitriolic statements, ethnic slurs and threats of violence”^[iii]. The next elections will take place in December 2012 and there is a need for proactive measures to promote peace and cultural tolerance, especially with the Youth, who are increasing being empowered by emerging technologies.

In July 2011, we will be organizing the premier Africa Digital Week in Accra, Ghana. Africa Digital Week 2011 is themed - "My Dream for A Digital Africa". The objective of Africa Digital Week is to explore how new and emerging technologies can contribute to socio-economic development and good governance in Africa. It will be a place for discourse and debate on novel approaches to building a better Africa through new and emerging technologies.