Tanzania Youth Leaders from ALII represent the Youth4Peace Initiative at the 12th UNESCO GCED Youth Leadership Workshop in South Korea

Youth representatives from Tanzania proudly participated in the 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED), held from 8–12 June 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Organized by UNESCO APCEIU, UNESCO MGIEP, and the GCED Youth Network, the workshop brought together 40 youth leaders from across Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries under the theme, "Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy."

Throughout the five-day workshop, participants explored critical global issues related to peace, human rights, sustainability, media literacy, and social cohesion. Through interactive sessions, leadership laboratories, group discussions, cultural exchanges, and site visits, young leaders gained practical skills to drive positive change within their communities.

"Like other countries, I congratulate Tanzania for having their own National Action Plan (NAP). This shows how youths are powerful and can bring changes in the community if involved."

— Teodora Mileska, Co-Founder, PERIOD SKOPJE

Media, Arts and Emerging Technologies

One of the key highlights of the workshop was learning how media, storytelling, arts, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence can be used responsibly to promote peace and counter misinformation, hate speech, and social division.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and learn from youth-led initiatives from around the world. These interactions strengthened global solidarity and reinforced the role of young people as catalysts for peace and sustainable development.

In addition, participants developed community-based action plans that will be implemented in their respective countries with mentorship support from UNESCO and partner organizations.

Youth leaders discussing project ideas and Sustainable Development Goals during the workshop

Reflections and Lessons

Reflecting on the experience, participants emphasized the importance of empathy, intercultural understanding, and collaborative leadership in addressing today's complex global challenges.

"I have learned that youth initiatives are underfunded. So we have to change our mindsets that we have to run things with or without funding."

— Joseph Brighton Malekela, Executive Director, ALII

The knowledge, networks, and skills acquired during the workshop will contribute significantly to ongoing youth-led peacebuilding efforts in Tanzania and beyond.

As youth continue to face emerging social, environmental, and technological challenges, platforms such as the Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED demonstrate the transformative power of education, creativity, and collective action in building a more peaceful and sustainable world.