Lobby wants mental health awareness integrated in peace building and development

A group of experts has called for an urgent need to integrate mental health awareness and support systems into peacebuilding frameworks and leadership development programs.

The team drawn from various fields says it’s important to recognize mental wellness as a foundation for stable and resilient communities.

This, they said, will help monitor any form of mental-related challenges in the society, given that the issue has become a concern in many areas.

They spoke on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at a meeting convened by Prospect Peace Institute-Africa at the Muthu Silver Springs Hotel, Nairobi, under the theme ‘Building Bridges: Partnering for Peace in Africa (PPI)’.

“This is an issue that is affecting everyone now, hence the need for its integration,” PPI chairman Lieutenant General (Rtd) Adan Mulata, who is also the National Youth Service (NYS) Council chairman, said.

This milestone event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders from across the continent, including national and regional think tanks, security experts, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academia, and international development actors.

Officials said as a leading African think tank, PPI-A continues to champion peace and security through evidence-based research, inclusive dialogue, and strategic partnerships.

Participating organizations included National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), OTA Africa, Africa Institute for Peace and Development Network (AIPDN/SIA), Inter-Development Network Kenya (IDN-K) and Institute for Development Studies – University of Nairobi (IDS-UoN).

Others were IDEAL Africa, Afrobarometer, Muslim Aid – UK, and Eminent and distinguished peacebuilding consultants.

Its comprehensive programming spans governance, applied research, capacity building, strategic communication, consultancy services, and security analysis — all tailored to address Africa’s complex and evolving peace and development challenges.

Delegates highlighted the challenges facing Africa’s youth, calling for innovative, tech-driven, and sustainable livelihood models.

There was strong advocacy for initiatives that equip young people with practical skills that foster socio-economic inclusion and resilience.

The seminar underscored the need for strengthened early-warning systems and culturally responsive conflict management approaches, particularly in cross-border and pastoralist communities where intercommunal tensions are recurrent.

Participants endorsed the formation of a peace-focused consortium to promote collaborative interventions, including the revitalization of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.

The initiative aims to pool resources, share expertise, and collectively influence peace and security policies at local, national, and regional levels.

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative peacebuilding efforts across the continent, anchored in African-led solutions and strengthened by inclusive partnerships.