Peacebuilding does not always begin with formal interventions. In many communities, it starts with dialogue, relationships, and people’s willingness to engage with issues that affect them.

This was the focus of a youth-led virtual conversation held on September 21, 2026, to mark the International Day of Peace.

Organized by Lightbridge Foundation, SALTI Initiative, and The Grit Initiative, the session, themed “Investing in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” brought together young development practitioners and community leaders to discuss the role of young people in promoting peace and social cohesion across the Niger Delta.

Creating Space for Dialogue

The conversation, moderated by Blessing Etoma Ejue, Team Lead at The Grit Initiative, featured Ebit Precious Adem PMGH, Executive Lead at Ademi Development Aid Initiatives (ADAI); Ebhodaghe Blessing, Founder of Lightbridge Foundation; and Chimezie Ebosie, Team Lead at SALTI Initiative.

Participants examined how dialogue can help communities understand different perspectives, address shared concerns, and build stronger relationships.

For the organizers, the discussion also reflected the growing role of young people in shaping conversations around peace and development.

From Participation to Leadership

The event built on an intergenerational dialogue organized by NDLink in Port Harcourt in 2025, which brought young people and older community members together to exchange views on peacebuilding.

The earlier engagement encouraged young participants to take peacebuilding conversations beyond the forum and into their communities.

A year later, some of those participants were involved in convening another conversation.

The progression from participation to convening illustrates how sustained engagement can create opportunities for young people to take greater ownership of peacebuilding efforts within their communities.

Investing in Young People

For communities in the Niger Delta, peace is closely linked to participation, opportunity, and social cohesion.

Creating spaces where young people can engage with community issues, exchange ideas and build relationships can contribute to stronger local capacity for addressing tensions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The September 21 conversation also highlighted the role of youth networks in sustaining these engagements. The organizers are members of the NDLink Champion network, which connects young people working on development issues across the region.

Keeping the Conversation Going

The International Day of Peace provides an opportunity to reflect on the different ways people contribute to peace in their communities.

For young people, this can include organizing dialogues, supporting community initiatives, and creating spaces for people to listen to and learn from one another.

The September 21 event was one such effort, continuing a conversation that began through earlier intergenerational engagement.

As young people take on greater roles in peacebuilding and community development, sustained opportunities for participation and leadership can help strengthen the social connections on which peaceful and resilient communities depend.