A cornerstone of this work is our annual Electoral Vulnerability Index (EVI) —a forward-looking tool designed to identify risks of election-related violence, manipulation, and contestation before they escalate.

By focusing on early warning signs across the entire electoral cycle, the EVI supports more effective prevention and more credible democratic processes.

In this context, the Foundation was proud to serve as a Strategic Governance Partner of Africa Political Outlook (APO) 2026, a high-level platform convening African and international leaders to examine the continent’s political and economic trajectories and to shape renewed partnerships.

Bringing together heads of state, policymakers, investors, civil society, and thought leaders, APO seeks to connect democratic legitimacy with governance, stability, and sustainable development.

The “election without choice”

Ahead of the launch of the 2026 edition of the Electoral Vulnerability Index in June 2026, our Special Adviser, Arnauld Akodjenou, contributed to APO’s first session on political governance, offering a timely reflection on evolving electoral dynamics.

His central insight is clear: across Africa—and increasingly globally—we are witnessing a shift from electoral fraud on voting day to a more subtle but equally concerning phenomenon: the “election without choice.”

As he highlights in his follow-up article, electoral processes are increasingly shaped upstream, through candidate exclusion, manipulation of legal frameworks, capture of oversight institutions, and restrictions on civic space.

These mechanisms reduce genuine political competition while preserving the formal appearance of elections.

Importantly, this trend is not unique to Africa. Rather, the continent reflects a broader global pattern of democratic strain, where legal and procedural tools are used to predetermine outcomes. This underscores the need to rethink electoral integrity as a process, not an event, one that requires vigilance well before election day.

This underscores the need to rethink electoral integrity as a process, not an event, one that requires vigilance well before election day.

As we prepare to release the 2026 EVI, these insights reinforce a core message: safeguarding democracy today means identifying and addressing risks early—before elections lose their fundamental purpose: offering citizens a real and meaningful choice.

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Building on the success of the WYDE Accountability Hubs in Sub-Saharan Africa, this new initiative will bring together 10 young leaders from across Europe who are committed to strengthening democratic accountability, transparency, and meaningful youth participation.

What selected leaders will gain

Participants will take part in a structured programme designed to:

• Strengthen their understanding of accountability in democratic systems
• Build leadership skills through training and mentoring
• Access funding and support to implement community-based projects
• Connect with a Europe-wide network of peers working on similar challenges
• Co-create practical tools to support youth participation and civic engagement

Who to nominate

We are looking for young leaders who:

• Are actively engaged in promoting accountability, youth participation, or inclusive governance
• Can mobilise and connect diverse youth communities
• Come from a range of sectors, including civil society, politics, business, media, or the arts

Eligibility criteria

Nominees must:

• Be aged 18–35 at the time of nomination
• Be citizens and residents of eligible European countries*
• Have demonstrated experience in relevant fields (accountability, civic engagement, leadership, etc.)
• Be fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Be available for:
  • Online sessions (August–December 2026; 1–2 sessions/week, ~2.5 hours each)
  • An in-person event in Brussels (8–10 June 2026; travel and accommodation covered)

*Eligible countries include EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Selection process

The final cohort will reflect diversity in geography, gender, and background, with particular attention to underrepresented groups in decision-making spaces.

Deadline

Submit your nomination by midnight Monday, 27 April 2026.

How to nominate

• Download the nomination form and complete it with your details and the nominee’s details (motivation, availability, etc.).

• A short video message from the nominee is also required; this can be done on a phone and will only be used for the selection process. The nominating body can request this from the nominee and send it as a file or a download link, along with the completed nomination form and cover letter.

• Submit completed nominations – nomination form, cover letter and video via email to accountabilityhubs@kofiannanfoundation.org by midnight (CEST) on Monday, 27 April 2026.

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The world is witnessing a surge in violent conflicts and civilian casualties at levels unprecedented in decades. At the same time, resources for international cooperation and peacebuilding are diminishing, and the very institutions mandated to uphold global peace and security are under significant strain. In this context, dismantling barriers, deepening collaboration, and harnessing our collective expertise are not merely priorities—they are urgent imperatives.

“…dismantling barriers, deepening collaboration, and harnessing our collective expertise are not merely priorities—they are urgent imperatives.”

It is against this backdrop that the Boards of Interpeace and the Kofi Annan Foundation have decided to pursue a strategic rapprochement. Over the coming years, the two organisations aim to co-locate their headquarters in Geneva, deepen joint programming, and identify administrative and budgetary efficiencies in order to reinvest resources into peacebuilding work.

This cooperation is made possible thanks to the support of the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva (FAIG), which has approved a multi-year grant to accompany this transition. Interpeace and the Kofi Annan Foundation express their sincere appreciation to FAIGfor its confidence and commitment to innovation, adaptation, and cooperation within International Geneva.

While remaining two independent organisations with distinct mandates and governance structures, Interpeace and the Kofi Annan Foundation have chosen to work more closely together to combine their complementary strengths—linking community-based peacebuilding and early warning with high-level analysis, political engagement, and global advocacy.

The cooperation will focus on joint action in areas where the two organisations’ expertise naturally converge, such as:

• Youth, Peace and Security
• Preventing violence and bridging divides
• Peace and food security
• Mental health and psychosocial support in fragile contexts.

Through joint analysis, coordinated programming, and shared advocacy and public outreach, Interpeace and the Kofi Annan Foundation also aim to contribute to a stronger, more coherent, and more inclusive International Geneva, which is better equipped to connect realities on the ground with multilateral decision-making and to amplify the voices of those living in conflict-affected contexts.

When peace needs are rising and resources are shrinking, the two organisations hope that this initiative will inspire others to explore new forms of collaboration. Strengthening peace today requires not only renewed political will, but also courage to adapt, cooperate, and innovate together.

For more information, please get in touch:

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The training marks a significant milestone in the three-year Champions for Peace initiative, which is implemented in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Foundation and KRIS for Peace, and in partnership with Temasek Foundation, Nagulendran Philanthropy Alliance, and the Diana Koh Fund, administered by the Asia Community Foundation.

Over the course of three days of learning, reflection, and collaboration, participants deepened their understanding of the connections between environmental, social, and community resilience.

“By actively participating in the community, youth like me can help create solutions to the issues our community is facing.”

– Youth Participant

They developed practical ideas for strengthening cohesion and promoting peace in their local contexts—ideas that are now being implemented through seed grants.

Out of 28 proposals, five seed grants have been awarded, and more projects have gotten support from the local government. From supporting young people’s mental health to amplifying stories of communities affected by flooding, the five projects awarded seed grants demonstrate the creativity and determination of young leaders across the Philippines.

“Young people experience the impact of local policies firsthand, so our perspectives should be part of the conversation. By showing up, sharing our ideas, and listening to others, we help create decisions that are inclusive and relevant to everyone.”

– Youth Participant

Each initiative, designed and led by Champions for Peace participants, brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to address local needs while advancing shared regional goals of harmony, sustainability, and peace.

The next step in the Champions for Peace Journey

The pilot training in the Philippines was built on months of groundwork by KRIS, including a baseline study and youth consultations to identify key challenges and opportunities for resilience.

“I am now confident about being open to hearing different ideas, learning from others’ experiences, and accepting perspectives that are different from mine. Hearing diverse stories during the training showed me that openness builds trust and makes teamwork stronger.”

– Youth Participant

Following the success of this pilot, the Champions for Peace programme will expand in 2026 to Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and establish a regional platform for youth-led action on harmony in diversity in Southeast Asia.

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Building on real-world experience from South Sudan, Niger, and the Philippines, the session highlighted community-led and youth-led approaches that help practitioners understand the complex links between climate, conflict, and social cohesion, and design interventions that translate analysis into action.

Key takeaways:

• In a world facing polycrises—from climate change to conflict and environmental degradation—context-sensitive tools can help make sense of complexity, shape local strategies, and empower communities.
• Tools tested in South Sudan, Niger, and the Philippines provided valuable insights on how climate, peace, and the environment intersect—and how this understanding informs early warning, prevention, and conservation strategies.
• Youth inclusion is essential. Young people’s engagement in environmental action can be a powerful entry point for participation in peacebuilding.
• Mental health matters. Environmental degradation, insecurity, and well-being are deeply interconnected and must be addressed together.
• Resilience and vulnerability often coexist. Factors like social media or trust can either strengthen or undermine resilience, underscoring the need for nuanced, contextual approaches.

Learn more about the tools and initiatives featured in the session:

SeeD’s work in Niger on pathways from climate stressors to recruitment into armed groups:

• Short report
• Full report

Saferworld’s Conflict Sensitivity Resource Facility for conservation actors in South Sudan:

•  A blog written especially for Geneva Peace Week
• Information on the global resource launched at the World Conservation Congress by the IUCN Academy
• Analysis on conservation in South Sudan on the critical role of communities and centring the people for effective conservation strategies.

KRIS and the Kofi Annan Foundation’s youth-led research and training on climate and conflict resilience in the Philippines

• Champions for Peace – Kofi Annan Foundation
• Champions for Peace Baseline Research – Executive Summary

The post From Tipping Points to Turning Points: Tools for Climate, Peace and Security appeared first on Kofi Annan Foundation.

Opening Remarks

The evening began with a warm welcome from Ahmad Fawzi, one of Kofi Annan’s former spokespersons and communication advisors. He greeted guests and set the tone for an evening dedicated to reflection, dialogue, and action for peace.

Keith Krause (below, left), Director of the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding at the Geneva Graduate Institute, followed with opening remarks underscoring the importance of dialogue in times of crisis.

Speaking next, Nathalie Fontanet (above, right), Conseillère d’État of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, expressed Geneva’s commitment to serving as a hub for peace and diplomacy.

The 2025 Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address

Ahmad Fawzi then introduced Martin Griffiths, International Mediator and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, who delivered the 2025 Address.

In his keynote, “Peacemaking in a Fractured World,” Griffiths drew from decades of mediation experience to reflect on the fragility of the international system and the urgent need to rebuild trust across divides.

“…we, as peacemakers, must fight harder to carry [Kofi Annan’s] legacy forward in these difficult times. Not for Kofi’s sake, but for the millions of people in the world who deserve our help, and the millions more who will come after them.”

His Address focuses on contemporary challenges in peace-making and the need for renewed commitment to international cooperation.

Music for Peace

Following the keynote, La Banda de Música took the stage for a moving clarinet performance by Lester Chio Alonso, reminding the audience of the power of music, art and culture to bridge differences and foster peace.

Peacebuilders’ Dialogue

The programme continued with a Peace Dialogue, moderated by Ahmad Fawzi, featuring:

• Victoria do Nascimento Houpert, Member of the Peacebuilding Initiative and Master’s Student in International Development, Geneva Graduate Institute.
• Martin Griffiths, International Mediator and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.
• Dao Manh Nghia, Founder and President, DMN Initiative, SDGs Council, DMN Foundation
• Mariyum Areeb Amjad, Program Officer, HIVE Pakistan

“We don’t come to the table to take a side, we come to the table to build a path forward together.”

– Dao Manh Nghia

Together, they discussed practical lessons from their work, including the critical role of dialogue and the importance of young leaders being actively involved in peace-making and conflict transformation.

Ahmad Fawzi closed the evening by quoting Hajer Sharief, Libyan human rights activist and Extremely Together Young Leader, who said:

“Kofi Annan is not the past, he is the future.”

Her words captured the spirit of the evening, serving as a reminder that Kofi Annan’s values of peace, dialogue, and shared humanity continue to guide the work of today’s leaders and future generations.

Watch the recording of the 2025 Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address

The Kofi Annan Geneva Peace Address is organised thanks to the support of the Republic and State of Geneva and the City of Geneva.

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The Conference, which is built on the model of the “Young Leaders Conferences” developed by MCW Global, brought together young mental health professionals, community organisers, and advocates from Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda to strengthen their leadership, advocacy, and collaboration skills in addressing mental health challenges across the region.

“Mental health is not just about cure; it is about prevention, resilience, and ensuring that young people grow up healthy, happy, and productive,” said Dr Jebet Boit of Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

Building leadership and community resilience

Over the course of three days, participants explored the regional mental health landscape, sharing their lived experiences and discussing cultural and systemic barriers to care. Interactive sessions, leadership workshops, and advocacy-focused training equipped them with the tools to design and implement local initiatives—from awareness campaigns to outreach programmes—that increase access to services and reduce stigma.

“Leadership means resilience and continuous learning. It is about service to humanity, making leaders, and stirring vision,” shared Beth Omondi, a participant from Kenya. “Leadership begins when you’re brave enough to speak your pain. Storytelling builds empathy, challenges norms, and amplifies silenced voices,” added Ruth Nazzinda from Uganda.

“Leadership begins when you’re brave enough to speak your pain. Storytelling builds empathy, challenges norms, and amplifies silenced voices.”

Participants also took part in a field visit hosted by Integrative Wellbeing at a local school in the Kasarani neighbourhood in the suburbs of Nairobi, connecting their discussions to real-world examples of community-led mental health support.

A collective call to action

Distinguished speakers, including representatives from governments, NGOs, academia, and community organisations, underscored the urgent need for investment in youth-led mental health efforts.

“In East and Southern Africa, one in four young people live with depression or anxiety, yet fewer than 30% can access care,” noted Laurean Rugambwa Bwanakunu, Africa Regional Head of Humanitarian Diplomacy at the IFRC. “We must act now, investing in services, combating stigma, and empowering young people as agents of change to build a healthier, more resilient Africa.”

“In East and Southern Africa, one in four young people live with depression or anxiety, yet fewer than 30% can access care.”

The conference concluded with the launch of the Eastern African Mental Health Network, a collaborative platform to strengthen regional advocacy, share resources, and support innovation through webinars, grants, and mentorship.

Looking ahead

The 2025 Young Leaders Conference marks the first in a series of activities under the Sawa Project, a multi-phase initiative designed to foster youth-led mental health advocacy. Participants will continue to engage through Vision Planning Webinars (September–October 2025) to learn how to translate ideas into concrete action, receive micro-grants to implement community-led projects with mentorship support (January–June 2026) and join advocacy efforts on a local and global level (June-October 2026).

Reflecting on the event, Maud Roure, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes at the Kofi Annan Foundation, highlighted the project’s broader significance: “We believe that peace begins with the well-being of individuals and communities. By empowering young leaders to address mental health, we are strengthening the foundations of more peaceful, inclusive societies.”

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“From youth activism…to politics, this transition has been the greatest challenge of my life.”

– Julián Rodríguez Sastoque

Since the age of 13, Julián Rodriguez Sastoque has advocated for democracy in his home country of Colombia. Some of his notable achievements in promoting democracy include being elected as a My World Youth Ambassador, engaging 15,000 Colombians in the national contribution towards defining SDGs and founding “PAZa la página,” an initiative that mobilised over 2,000 young Colombians to work towards peacebuilding and reconciliation.

In 2019, Julián became Colombia’s youngest elected official at 23 years old, winning a seat on Bogotá’s City Council. Thanks to his platform as a politician, Julián has offered citizen training to thousands of young people and has founded a new youth-led platform called +YouthInPolitics (+JóvenesEnPolítica), which has over 400 people actively participating in training processes, volunteerism, social control actions and research.

Julián’s Acceptance Speech at the 2025 Athens Democracy Forum

About the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize

Launched in 2023 by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy and Culture Foundation (DCF), the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is awarded to a young leader aged 18 to 30 and presented annually at the Athens Democracy Forum. The Prize aims to recognise exceptional leadership and inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy.

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As Kofi Annan reminded us: “You are never too young to lead, and you should never doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not.”

Today, young people are proving that democracy can be reimagined, revitalised, and defended — from grassroots organising to political leadership and human rights advocacy. Through our programmes and initiatives, the Kofi Annan Foundation supports the next generation of democratic leaders.

Leading with Integrity

In Kenya, Daniel Mala (Habib Omar), founder of the Kariobangi Social Justice Centre and participant in our Leadership Excellence in Politics (LEiP) Young Leaders training, is shaping politics through empathy, integrity, and service to his community.

In Mexico, Venecia Guzmán, also a LEiP alumna, is proving that politics doesn’t have to be “the way it’s always been.” From activism to becoming the youngest cabinet member in her city, she is reimagining politics as a space for innovation, citizen participation, and justice.

Defending Democracy

In Zimbabwe, Namatai Kwekweza, a Pan-African feminist and founder of WELEAD Africa, received the inaugural Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize in 2023 for her leadership in constitutionalism, youth advocacy, and movement building across Southern Africa.

In Namibia, Omar van Reenen, co-founder of Equal Namibia and laureate of the 2024 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, continues to defend constitutional rights and advance LGBTQ+ equality, securing landmark Supreme Court victories despite facing backlash and adversity.

Investing in the Future of Democracy

Daniel, Venecia, Namatai, and Omar show us what is possible when young people are given the tools, recognition, and support to lead. Their work proves that democracy is strongest when youth are at its heart.

Support the next generation of democratic leaders — contribute to the Kofi Annan Youth Impact Fund.

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The ongoing conflict has inflicted untold suffering on millions of innocent people, caused mass displacement, destroyed livelihoods, and threatens to destabilize the entire region.

The people of Sudan have endured enough. The continuation of a military solution only deepens the cycle of violence, destruction, and despair. No battlefield victory will ever bring peace, justice, or stability to Sudan—only an inclusive political settlement can do so.

We, the participants of the panel, call upon the IGAD, the African Union and the United Nations to act with urgency and moral clarity:

1. Exert maximum pressure on the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Sudanese Rapid Response Forces and their allies to immediately cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table
2. Reject and abandon any reliance on a military solution to the conflict, recognizing that such a path only leads to further devastation.
3. Push for increased humanitarian access and protection for civilians, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need without delay or obstruction.
4. Support and facilitate a comprehensive, inclusive political dialogue that centers the voices of the Sudanese people, including women, youth, civil society, faith-based organisations and marginalized communities, as the only sustainable path to peace.
5. It is imperative, through a fully inclusive mediation process, to establish a civilian-led government composed of highly qualified Sudanese figures, independent of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, and acceptable to all stakeholders. Such a government must be vested with full civilian authority to steer the country onto a credible political path, one that is supported by the international community and culminates in free and fair presidential and legislative elections.

Sudan stands at a critical crossroads. The future of its people cannot be determined by the barrel of a gun. We appeal to the IGAD, the African Union and the United Nations to rise to this moment of history, to uphold the principles of peace and human dignity, and to help end this tragic war through inclusive mediations and negotiations.

The world cannot look away. Silence, procrastination and inaction are complicity. Sudan needs peace now.

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