On the 1st of December 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter in our commitment to inclusive and peaceful electoral processes. European Centre for Electoral Support hosted the Leadership and Conflict Management Skills for Electoral Stakeholders (LEAD) Training of Trainers programme in Addis Ababa, a cornerstone initiative designed to elevate the role of youth in shaping the future of democracy.
Since 2010, ECES has worked across more than 50 countries, primarily in Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean, championing dialogue, conflict prevention and leadership development. The LEAD programme is the result of a long-standing partnership between ECES and the Center for Creative Leadership – Leadership Beyond Boundaries. It offers a unique learning experience that blends real-world practice, peer exchange and collaborative methods.
Youth are at the centre of this endeavour. More than 30 young participants representing 11 regions and two city administrations will come together, with over 30% women taking part. Over five intensive days, they had explored leadership in a complex electoral environment, conflict prevention, mediation and the integrity of electoral processes. They also built the practical facilitation skills needed to become trainers themselves, creating a sustainable network of leaders who will continue this work across their communities. According to the concept note, the training uses hands-on, interactive and value-based methodologies, with a strong focus on real-time problem solving and peer learning.
Beyond the programme lies a deeper ambition. This initiative is a commitment to inclusion, to strengthening youth-led organisations, to preparing first-time voters, and to ensuring that young people are empowered to lead conversations on electoral participation, conflict management and peaceful engagement. As outlined in the programme objectives, it aims to enhance the capacity of youth and their organisations in leadership, electoral processes and conflict management, and to expand youth engagement across regions to prevent electoral violence.
Participants will not only gain new skills: they will contribute to building a more resilient and peaceful democratic landscape. They will join a growing network of young leaders ready to inspire change, foster dialogue and safeguard their communities throughout the electoral cycle.
3 December 2025
