The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) course convenes policymakers, security actors, and civil society at UNESCO Yaoundé on 26 and 27 March 2026
The Education for Peace and Security Initiative at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom in collaboration with Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC), the Institute for Innovation in Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa (IIPSDA) and Unesco Regional multi-sectoral office for central Africa will tomorrow open a two-day Continuous Professional Development Course on Education in Peace and Security. The course takes place on 26 and 27 March 2026 at UNESCO Yaoundé, bringing together policymakers, government officials, security practitioners, intergovernmental organisations, and civil society actors from across Cameroon.
Promoting peace and security remains a key component of Cameroon’s development strategy. With some regions affected by violent conflicts and insecurity, the need to build the capacity or stakeholders remains very eminent. It is against this backdrop that the University of Aberdeen is collaborating with national institutions to offer an integrated, education-informed approach to peace and security that goes beyond traditional military and intelligence frameworks, towards evidence-based prevention and peacebuilding.
Day 1 Highlights: Thursday, 26 March
The first day opens with a welcome ceremony featuring remarks from the UNESCO Regional Director and Dr. Lekunze, followed by a session on Peace and Security in Cameroon. Key sessions include a presentation on national security theory, a workshop on the Common Ground Approach to Peace and Security, and a high-level panel on Youth Peace and Security featuring Madam Adeline Dontsop, President of the YPS Commission, and Achaleke Christian Leke. The afternoon will feature a session by Commissioner Polycarp Ngufor on the Protection of Civilians and the Responsibility to Protect in Cameroon’s security context.
Day 2 Highlights: Friday, 27 March
Day 2 will explore the components of national security, the role of the Gendarmerie in Cameroon’s security architecture, and Women in Peace and Security. The day concludes with a policy design and evaluation session, a closing panel on best practices in civilian collaboration and protection, and a certificate handover ceremony.
About LOYOC
The Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) is a youth-led NGO operating across all 10 regions of Cameroon with extensive experience in peacebuilding, policy engagement, and capacity development.
About the University of Aberdeen Partner Initiative
The Education for Peace and Security Initiative is based in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. It brings academic rigour, global expertise, and comparative perspectives to the design and delivery of this course.
About IIPSDA
The Institute for Innovation in Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa (IIPSDA) is a Cameroonian think tank working on research, training, advocacy, and community engagement on peace, humanitarian, and development issues.
About UNESCO
UNESCO is a UN agency founded in 1945 that promotes international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. It is best known for its World Heritage Sites programme and its work advancing literacy, press freedom, and access to education worldwide, particularly in developing countries.