The second day of the Africa Week was devoted to a round table on the topic: “Africa, terrorism and Culture of Peace”, moderated by Her Exc. Ms Gisèle Marie Hortense Ossakedjombo-Ngoua Memiaghe, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Gabon to UNESCO. The debate was led around two main approaches: “Education to peace as an essential Culture of Peace instrument” and “Terrorism and cultural diversity as a peace vector”. The first approach was introduced by Ms Aicha Bah Diallo (Guinea), President, Forum African Women Education (FAWE), Ex-Minister and ex Deputy Director-General to Education to UNESCO, who gave a watchful eye on the evolution of educative practices in Africa and how school remains the main place to prevent and learn to children the social harmony. Then, Mr M. Mouhammed Benhammou (Morroco), International expert on strategic and security questions, talked about the serious security challenges in front of Africa. He reminded the public on the importance of this topic – especially nowadays – which is at the heart of this issue on flows (migration - especially illegal immigration, material - weapons, drugs and ideas - religious extremism) and how they participate to the terrorism increase in Africa.

Moderated by HE. Denise Houphouet-Boigny, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Côte d'Ivoire to UNESCO, the second roundtable focused on sustainable development in Africa, especially through the role of women and of the youth. Thus, Mr. Kamal Karry, Researcher and cultural Adviser to the Permanent Delegation of the Comoros, made a presentation on the role of women in African societies and their role in sustainable development. He reported on the progress that has been made in some countries including Liberia, where Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected President by universal suffrage. M Kamal also highlighted the efforts of Rwanda, where 51% of members of parliament are women.

Following this presentation, Mr Moussa Samb, Professor at the Faculty of Law and Political Science at the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, presented an overview of youth infront of environmental challenges and new perspectives development. Recalling that 60% of Africa's population is less than 25 years old, Professor Samb stressed that the demographic weight of youth is not a problem but a solution. While stressing the multiple contributions of youth in national economies, he recalled how the creativity, commitment and mobilization of youth are an asset. Yet, young people are often marginalized in Africa. Thus, several international instruments have been adopted since 2002 to include youth in development policies, including environmental objectives. This is the meaning behind the African Youth Charter adopted in 2006. Professor Samb called to consider a new growth paradigm based on a green economy, which would give more room to young people and would be funded by Africa itself. This growth requires a number of investments and enhanced regional integration. The presentations were followed by discussions.