THE government has reafirmed its commitment to involve youth in peace and security efforts, recognizing their key role in national development and stability.

Speaking at a youth forum in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Josephine Matiro, Director of Youth Services in the Prime Minister’s Office- Labour,Youth,Employment and People with disabilities, stressed that national peace is inseparable from the future of Tanzanian youth.

“The youth are the engine of national development. They are the nation of today and tomorrow, and must remain vigilant in protecting the peace and security of our country,” he said.

She highlighted that the government, through the National Youth Policy, has created specific mechanisms to enhance youth participation in matters of peace and decision-making.

 According to Matiro, the responsible  Ministry  has opened its doors and stands ready to cooperate with young people across the country.

“Peace and security are not only government responsibilities; they are youth responsibilities too. The government is ready to collaborate with young people even in its strategic youth development plans,” she added.

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Liberatha Mulamula, also stressed the importance of involving young people in shaping national development agendas.

“There is no sustainable development without the involvement of youth,” she said. 

“Just as the government has created frameworks for empowering women, it is time to establish a national strategy for youth development.”

Mulamula further explained that peace should not be defined merely as the absence of conflict, but as the absence of multiple threats to stability.

She urged the government to take proactive steps in engaging youth in preventing such risks.

Joseph Malecela, Executive Director of Africa Leaders Initiative for Impact, said the forum brought together youth from various regions with three key goals: increasing youth participation in peace and leadership processes.

Also, addressing the impact of the digital era on youth safety; and promoting youth-led initiatives to address violence, crime, and climate change.

“The aim is to empower young people to avoid actions that threaten peace and instead take a leading role in creating solutions to national and global challenges,” he said 

He said participants at the forum were also encouraged to be part of national dialogues and contribute to long-term strategies that safeguard peace and promote inclusive governance.

Malecela said the forum comes at a time when Tanzania, like many African nations, faces increasing challenges in youth unemployment, digital risks, and climate change issues seen as directly linked to peace and security.