On Thursday, 26 January 2017 ACTIVATE! Change Drivers along with UNESCO MGIEP launched the YESPeace Network at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town. In line with the African Youth Agenda 2063 for a peaceful and secure Africa, the YESPeace Network is on a mission to educate young people on peace education, sustainable development and global citizenship for a better and peaceful life for all.

This platform has sparked inclusive collaborations with stakeholders and young people who are interested in forging partnerships through the practical application of skills and global citizenship.

The event featured a list of delegates from countries across the world such as Kenya, Fiji, South Africa and Lesotho, among others. Delegates in attendance shared a passion for peace education, sustainable development and global citizenship in Africa. The likes of Yufenyuy  Kevin Ngwayi, Director at the African Development Association; the founder of Change mind, Change future, Evaristus Khotso Masheane and Africa Monitor, media specialist Joyce Moholola. South Africa is the 3rd group in the world and 1st in the continent to be launching the YESPeace network following countries such as India and Malaysia.

Of particular importance was the strengthening of innovative plans to get young people talking to decision makers who attend important conferences. To this end, ACTIVATE! CEO, Chris Meintjies added: “What if this partnership opens up a cross-pollination of content which creates really rich curricula that could be used by different organisations to create change for peace education.”

UNESCO is a category 1 research institute and YESPeace is one of 22 research projects mandated to help government and young people build awareness on global issues. Amongst the plans to promote the spread of peace education and raise awareness, ACTIVATE! Leadership has plans of coordinating a publication that will specifically deal with documenting African stories, in a manner that celebrates and correctly tells the stories of Africa.

About ACTIVATE!:

ACTIVATE! is a network of young leaders equipped to drive change for the public good across South Africa. Connecting youth who have the skills, sense of self and spark to address tough challenges and initiate innovative and creative solutions that can reshape our society.

On social media:

Twitter: @ActivateZA

Facebook: ACTIVATE! Change Drivers

Website: www.activateleadership.co.za

Instagram: Activate_za

For media related queries, please contact:

Nelisa Ngqulana

Communications Manager

Cell: 073 817 8017