Discourse Project
Ethiopia’s youth constitute the largest segment of the population, representing a profound source of potential for the nation’s present and future. This demographic reality carries both promise and responsibility. While many young people face interconnected challenges—such as unemployment, vulnerability to violence, pressures on mental well-being, and limited access to quality education—they also demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
When young people are supported to develop a sense of purpose and are provided with environments that nurture their capacities, they can become protagonists of their own transformation and active contributors to peace and social progress. In the current social landscape of Ethiopia, enabling youth to channel their energies toward constructive and unified action is not only important—it is essential for sustainable peace and stability.
In response to this reality, the Office of Public Affairs of the Bahá’ís of Ethiopia is launching a year-long collaborative discourse project entitled “Youth as Protagonists of Social Transformation in Ethiopia.” This initiative aims to create a thoughtful and inclusive space where diverse actors can come together to reflect, learn, and act. It seeks to bridge the gap between policy and lived experience by bringing into conversation perspectives from government institutions, civil society organizations, grassroots initiatives, and social thinkers.
The project will explore key questions such as:
- How can the vast energies of youth be channeled toward constructive and peaceful endeavors?
- What approaches most effectively cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose among young people?
- In what ways can diverse social actors strengthen collaboration and assume shared responsibility in creating supportive environments that enable youth to thrive?
We warmly invite government bodies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, community groups, and individuals engaged in social development to collaborate in this collective effort. Through shared learning and coordinated action, we can contribute to fostering an environment where Ethiopia’s youth are empowered to become builders of peace and agents of transformation.