PEPNET Participates in International Peace Summit 2.0

The Power of the Feed: Social Media, Faith and the Future of Peace

Date: 18 September 2026
Organiser: Engage Empower Educate Initiative, in partnership with Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBforPeace)

Report prepared by: Seniloba Taiwo, Communications Assistant, PEPNET

Watch the Overview Video: Get a quick glimpse of the key moments and highlights from the International Peace Summit 2.0 HERE: https://youtube.com/shorts/IiNiIakggZE?feature=share

The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) participated in the International Peace Summit 2.0, held on 18 September 2026 and organised by the Engage Empower Educate Initiative in partnership with Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBforPeace).

Held under the theme, “The Power of the Feed: Social Media, Faith and the Future of Peace,” the summit brought together peacebuilding practitioners, youth advocates and other stakeholders to examine the growing influence of digital platforms, faith, civic participation and emerging technologies on peace and social cohesion.

Amb represented PEPNET. Moses ABOLADE, Executive Director, alongside Jonathan Saba, Programme Manager, and Seniloba Taiwo, Communications Assistant.

Advancing Youth, Peace and Security in Nigeria

Amb. Moses ABOLADE participated in a panel discussion titled “Advancing Youth, Peace and Security in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges,” alongside Amb. Honest Salihu Gode, Executive Director, Ominya Initiative.

The discussion examined the opportunities and challenges facing young people in contributing to peace and security in Nigeria, with particular attention to inclusion, leadership, civic participation and the conditions required for meaningful youth engagement.

Amb. Moses emphasised that passion alone is not sufficient to create sustainable impact. Young people also need knowledge, practical experience, capacity development and institutional support.

“Your passion alone will not be enough to change things; you need institutional support…”

He further encouraged young people to invest in continuous learning and practical experience:

“Get knowledge, get experience to empower yourself to make a positive impact for a peaceful society.”

The panel reinforced the importance of creating meaningful spaces for young people to participate in decision-making and contribute to peacebuilding processes.

Digital Spaces and the Future of Peace

A major focus of the summit was the role of social media and artificial intelligence in shaping peace and society.

Participants reflected on the opportunities presented by digital platforms, alongside the responsibilities that come with increased digital influence. Discussions highlighted the importance of responsible online engagement, critical awareness and the appropriate use of existing reporting and escalation mechanisms when harmful content is encountered.

Delivering the keynote address, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, highlighted digital media as an important partner in sustaining peace and strengthening social cohesion. He noted:

“The future of peace may be digital, but it must remain profoundly human.”

The conversation underscored an important reality for peacebuilders: peacebuilding increasingly takes place not only in classrooms, communities and institutions, but also across digital spaces where information, narratives and interactions can shape perceptions and relationships.

From Conversation to Action

The summit provided an important platform for dialogue on the intersection of youth participation, peace and security, civic engagement, social media and emerging technologies.

For PEPNET, the discussions reinforced the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and institutional support required to participate constructively in peacebuilding and civic life.

PEPNET remains committed to advancing peace education, youth leadership, capacity building and digital peacebuilding, while creating opportunities for young people and communities to contribute to more peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.

Watch the Overview Video: Get a quick glimpse of the key moments and highlights from the International Peace Summit 2.0 HERE: https://youtube.com/shorts/IiNiIakggZE?feature=share

Report prepared by:
Seniloba Taiwo
Communications Assistant
Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET)