Scholarship holders and alumni of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s (KAS) Regional Programme “Political Dialogue West Africa” (PDWA) in Guinea gathered on Saturday, 1 August 2026, in Conakry for their national meeting under the theme: “Youth Contributions to Political Dialogue and National Cohesion in Guinea.”
Organized within the framework of the programme’s semi-annual meetings, the event provided a platform for discussion, reflection and experience-sharing among young people actively engaged in public life and political dialogue. It took place in a context where youth participation in political, institutional and civic processes is increasingly recognized as a key factor in strengthening peace and national cohesion in Guinea.
Through this workshop, participants reflected on ways to encourage greater youth involvement in decision-making processes, strengthen intergenerational dialogue and contribute to a political environment based on listening, trust and consensus-building.
The meeting also aimed to generate recommendations that could inform the reflections of public decision-makers, civil society organizations and partners committed to peacebuilding and democratic development.
Following the opening ceremony, which featured welcoming remarks by Mamadou Daman, Coordinator of the PDWA Alumni Network in Guinea, and opening remarks from KAS, participants attended a keynote presentation entitled “Mid-term Assessment: Successes and Challenges of Political Dialogue in Guinea.” The presentation was delivered by Tamba Fode, consultant and trainer.
His contribution initiated discussions on the progress achieved, the challenges that remain and the conditions required for a more inclusive and constructive political dialogue. Exchanges highlighted the importance of trust among stakeholders, the expansion of opportunities for civic participation and the strengthening of young people’s capacities so that they can fully contribute to public life.
A second major component of the meeting was a panel discussion entitled “Youth Contributions to the National Political Dialogue: What Strategies Can Strengthen Alumni Impact on Peacebuilding and National Unity in Guinea?” The panel featured Hon. Seny Tonamou, former member of the National Transitional Council (CNT) and KAS alumnus, as well as Ibrahima M’Bemba Bah, KAS alumnus.
Discussions focused on the responsibilities of young people in fostering constructive political dialogue and on the need to transform individual alumni engagement into a collective dynamic capable of generating sustainable impact. Speakers also stressed the importance of strengthening synergies within the alumni network, building on experiences gained through the programme and developing joint initiatives in support of dialogue, peace and national cohesion.
Beyond the discussions themselves, the meeting emphasized that youth should not be viewed solely as beneficiaries of public policies, but rather as full-fledged actors in governance and political dialogue.
Strengthening the PDWA alumni network, pooling skills and experience, promoting intergenerational dialogue and developing concrete policy recommendations were among the key priorities highlighted during the event.
This national meeting reflects the commitment of KAS and its network of scholars and alumni to contribute to the emergence of a generation of young leaders capable of actively participating in addressing the political and social challenges facing Guinea.