Organized by Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants & The Charter for Compassion
Date: Wednesday, 25th February 2026
Time: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM (Pacific Standard Time)
12:00 PM - 1:30 AM, 26th February (Japan Standard Time)
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Pakistan time）
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (DRC time)
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (UK time)
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Where: Online (Zoom webinar)
Event Description
In recent years, the role of youth has been increasingly emphasized in international agendas such as the SDGs, Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda. However, while the potential and critical role of young people is being recognized, youth who have been involved with non-state armed groups—who may be some of the most essential actors in conflict resolution and peacebuilding—are often overlooked and viewed merely as security threats by the international community.
At this event, we are honored to have two members of GTY: Abdul Wahid Sesay, former combatant of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone, and Julien Vikemba, co-founder and executive director of Sote Pamoja in the Democratic Republic of Congo, specializing in supporting the rehabilitation, reconciliation, and reintegration of former combatants, come together for a dialogue moderated by Atma Kaur Narinder, Social Impact Director.
Drawing on Abdul Wahid Sesay’s lived experience of involvement with a non-state armed group, and Julien Vikemba’s expertise as a researcher and practitioner in peacebuilding, this discussion will highlight the complex challenges faced by former youth combatants toward reintegration, while also exploring the unique and powerful roles that such youth can play in advancing and sustaining peace.
This co-hosted event by GTY and CFC aims to shed light on the unique potential of youth combatants with lived experience of armed conflict through a dialogue. By amplifying their voices and fostering genuine dialogue, we aim to raise awareness of their critical roles in peacebuilding. Listening to their experiences is essential to deepening global discussions on their rights, as well as on the support needed for their reintegration and empowerment as Agents of Peace.
Moderator
Atma Kaur Narinder, Social Impact Director
Atma Kaur Narinder is a Social Impact Director who builds understanding across faiths and supports young people in leading positive change. With a background in Astrophysics (MSci), she brings analytical thinking and practical solutions to complex community challenges.
She draws guidance from the example of her mother, whose compassion and resilience continue to shape her approach to leadership and community work. Grounded in the Namdhari Sikh tradition, which values simplicity, justice, and the courage to defend what’s right, Atma promotes unity and ethical leadership in all she does.
She believes lasting peace comes when everyone’s voice is heard, and she is passionate about helping young people discover their ability to make a real difference in the world.
Speakers
Abdul Wahid Sesay was forcibly recruited as a child soldier by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) during the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002). He now serves as the Deputy Project Coordinator at EducAid Sierra Leone, an organization dedicated to improving and strengthening the response capacities of various educational systems, specifically tailored to meet the needs of all children, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable. He is 30 years old and holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management.
The conflict claimed his father’s life and subjected him to severe trauma, including forced training in weaponry and the administration of harmful substances. Despite these experiences, he managed to escape and reunite with his family. Although the initial reunion brought relief, reintegrating into his community posed significant challenges.
This personal struggle ignited his passion for supporting former combatants and disadvantaged youth. He is deeply committed to the social reintegration and educational empowerment of former child soldiers and youth combatants, especially those living on the streets.
Julien Vikemba, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sote Pamoja in the Democratic Republic of Congo, African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace representing Central Africa.
Julien Vikemba is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sote Pamoja RDC, a civil society organization based in the Democratic Republic of Congo that empowers youth to promote peace, justice, and good governance across the Great Lakes region. He has led community-based initiatives supporting the rehabilitation, reconciliation, and reintegration of former combatants, with a strong focus on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed groups.
A researcher and practitioner on conflict dynamics in Central Africa, he contributes to studies and policy processes on youth engagement, conflict prevention, and child protection. He serves on the Youth Advisory Council of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security and, since 2024, has been the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace representing Central Africa.
