The Launch Event marked the official unveiling of the Africa Project, bringing together writers, filmmakers, policymakers, and community leaders in a celebration of creativity and resilience. Held virtually to maximize accessibility, the event showcased the breadth of Engaging Borders SRD’s work and set the stage for a continental movement of youth‑led peacebuilding.
The program featured keynote addresses from thought leaders, readings from emerging writers, and screenings of short films produced under the Africa Project. These presentations highlighted the diversity of voices involved and underscored the central role of culture in addressing violent extremism. By combining artistic expression with strategic dialogue, the Launch Event positioned culture as a strategic asset in peacebuilding. It showcased how storytelling, film, and youth engagement can be mobilized not just for expression, but for transformation.
Held across multiple languages—English, French, Hausa, and Swahili—the event reflected Engaging Borders SRD’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Participants joined from across the Sahel+ region and East Africa, creating a truly pan-African space for dialogue. The program was designed to be interactive, with breakout sessions, live Q&A, and collaborative reflections that allowed attendees to engage deeply with the themes and outputs of the Africa Project.
The Launch also served as a platform for unveiling key resources: the Counternarratives archive, the Films Project showcase, and the Engaging Borders Academy. These components were introduced not as standalone products, but as interconnected tools within a broader strategy for youth-led peacebuilding. By presenting them together, the event emphasized the integrated nature of Engaging Borders SRD’s work—where story, research, and strategy converge.
Importantly, the Launch Event was not just a celebration—it was a call to action. Attendees were invited to join the movement by participating in upcoming cohorts, contributing to storytelling initiatives, and partnering on research and advocacy. The event marked the beginning of a new phase for Engaging Borders SRD, one defined by continental collaboration and scaled impact.
In essence, the Launch Event embodied the spirit of Engaging Borders SRD: bold, inclusive, and imaginative. It demonstrated that peacebuilding can be celebratory, that strategy can be creative, and that borders—whether geographic or ideological—can be engaged through courage and community. As the Africa Project continues to grow, the Launch remains a foundational moment, reminding all involved that transformation begins with connection.
It was implemented as part of Engaging Borders Africa.
