Minister of Lands and Urban Development Deus Gumba has highlighted the importance of coexistence in fostering peace and national development in Malawi. Speaking during a media interview after participating in a solidarity walk for the pre-launch of the UNSCR 2250 National Action Plan (NAP) in Mzuzu on Wednesday, Gumba stressed the need to actively involve youth in peace-building efforts.
Representing Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, Gumba emphasized that the youth, who form the majority of Malawi’s population, are pivotal to the nation’s development.
“When we talk about our population, the youth play an integral role in national development. It is crucial to engage them in fostering unity and peace,” said Gumba.
He also urged stakeholders to use the youth in productive ways instead of as agents of destruction, especially as the country approaches elections.
The solidarity walk, which began at the Mzuzu High Court and ended at Katoto Freedom Park, was held ahead of Umodzi Day celebrations on Thursday, during which President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to launch the National Action Plan for Youth, Peace, and Security (2024–2029).
Minister of Youth Uchizi Mkandawire, who joined Gumba in the walk, echoed the call for youth to take a leading role in fostering peace and unity.
“We should engage the youth in activities that benefit the country, rather than using them to perpetrate violence,” Mkandawire said.
United Nations Resident Representative Tawen Kalua also underscored the role of youth as active agents of peace. Kalua reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to support the effective implementation of the NAP and challenged stakeholders to harness the energy of young people for constructive purposes.
The solidarity walk brought together government officials, including Mzuzu City Council CEO Gomegzan Nyasulu, who joined the ministers in promoting the message of peace and unity.
The UNSCR 2250 National Action Plan aims to integrate youth into peace-building processes and ensure their participation in fostering security and development over the next five years.
