Mali NGOs Unite to Promote Peace and Raise Youth Leaders
Bamako, Mali – UPF-Mali joined several NGO groups to sponsor a program commemorating the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2026. The event took place at the Youth Center in Commune III of Bamako, and focused on the importance of developing youth leadership in order to guarantee sustainable peace in the nation. Participants included the local representative of UNESCO, a representative of the mayor, peace ambassadors and youth leaders.
After the singing of Mali's national anthem, the representative of the mayor of Commune III, Mr. Ibrahim Maïga, took the floor to welcome everyone and thank the organizers for choosing his commune to host the International Day of Peace activity.
The president of the Peace Ambassadors of Mali, Col. Major El Haj Tièoulé Satigui Sidibe, then delivered a message about the International Day of Peace, followed by the reading of the UPF Peace Declaration, which was distributed to the officials present.
The UNESCO representative, Ms. Oumou Dicko, recalled the significance of this day in light of the current context of crises around the world and the security problems in the sub-region. She appealed to the good sense of all participants to invest in peace every day and at every moment.
Ms. Kadiatou Tounkara, president of the Youth and Women's Action for Sustainable Development (AJFDD), read the charter established by the organizers, followed by each partner signing it in front of the UNESCO representative and the representative of the mayor of Commune III.
Ms. Aissata Bocum, president of the Association for the Promotion of the Rights of Girls and Women (Yeleen), explained that each member was expected to make a written, signed commitment on a document attached to a Peace Commitment Wall, which would be handed to the UNESCO representative as a pledge from the organizers and participants to work toward lasting peace in Mali.
After these various steps, including the signing of the Wall, the MC brought the ceremony to a close and invited everyone to a cocktail reception.
Through this program participants, particularly the youth, gained a better understanding of the International Day of Peace and their role in achieving peace. By signing the Peace Commitment Wall, young people were encouraged to take ownership of the International Day of Peace. Following the program, concrete recommendations were offered by UPF-Mali and the participating NGOs as to actions the public authorities, youth organizations and civil society could take to further promote peace and cooperation.
