A new call for applications has been announced for the 4th Cohort of the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace, known as AYAPs, under the Youth for Peace Africa program of the African Union Commission. According to the AU, this selection aims to boost the involvement of young people in peace and security across the continent. The Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department said the initiative continues the work started in 2018 when the Youth for Peace program was launched to promote youth participation in conflict prevention and discourage involvement in violence. The AU Peace and Security Council had earlier requested the appointment of five regional ambassadors to support peace work across Africa.
The AYAPs will work under the supervision of the AU’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department. They are expected to drive youth advocacy and promote engagement in peace and security issues across all regions. The AU explained that the ambassadors will help advance the five priorities of the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security, which is guided by Article 17 of the AU Youth Charter and the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2250, 2419 and 2535.
The application is open to African youth who have shown strong commitment to promoting sustainable peace. The AU encouraged young women, displaced persons and people with disabilities who meet the requirements to apply. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 throughout their tenure as an AYAP. They must also possess a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in peace and security, including advocacy and resource mobilization. The AU added that applicants should have experience in supporting peace processes, mediation efforts and community engagement. Strong communication and advocacy skills are also required. Fluency in any AU working language is needed, while knowledge of an additional language is considered an advantage.
The mission of the AYAPs includes advocating for youth rights, raising awareness about the AU’s Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security, and supporting member states in coordinating the Youth for Peace program. They will help push national action plans and implement youth activities across the five priority areas. The AU stated that the ambassadors may also represent the department in workshops, meetings and trainings.
The framework’s priorities focus on participation, prevention, protection, partnerships and coordination, as well as disengagement and rehabilitation. These include promoting youth involvement in decision-making, strengthening peace education, supporting displaced persons, improving cooperation among stakeholders and helping reintegrate youth disengaged from extremist groups.
Qualified candidates must submit their applications through the provided Link before 23:59 East African Time on December 15, 2025. Required documents include a CV, a short essay of not more than two pages and copies of educational certificates. The AU emphasized that all submissions must be completed by the deadline.
