GOMA: Youth, Artificial Intelligence, Peace and Development at the Heart of a Workshop Organized by YCPD ASBL and UNDP

On October 12, 2026, Youth Center for Peace and Development (YCPD ASBL), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a training and exchange workshop in Goma under the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Youth, Peace and Development in Goma.” The event brought together more than 50 young people in the UNDP meeting room.

Through presentations and discussions, participants explored the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, as well as the responsibilities that come with its use.

The first session, delivered online from Bonn, Germany, by Ir. Gianny Musila, focused on the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, generative AI, its applications, opportunities and limitations.

The second session, dedicated to AI, misinformation, peace and social cohesion, addressed fake news, deepfakes, hate speech and techniques for verifying information before sharing it online. It was presented by Ir. Guylain Bisimwa, joining from Lubumbashi, DRC. Young people also learned how artificial intelligence can contribute to promoting peace and peaceful coexistence.

The third session focused on AI for employment, entrepreneurship and local development. It was presented successively by Fortuné Mutsiirwa and Clémence Bisimwa, members of YCPD ASBL. Participants discovered how these tools can support CV writing and adaptation, cover letter preparation, job interview simulations, advertising content creation and the development of small businesses that respond to local needs. Emphasis was also placed on the ethical and responsible use of AI.

During the closing session, the head of the UNDP office in Goma called on young people to become aware of the changes taking place and take action. He encouraged them to adapt to new realities, transform their learning habits and seize the opportunities offered by new technologies rather than spending most of their time on entertainment through social media.

The central message of the workshop was clear: artificial intelligence should not only be a tool for consumption, but also a driver of learning, creativity, entrepreneurship, peace and community development.

Through this initiative, YCPD ASBL and UNDP highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and tools they need to understand digital transformation, act responsibly and contribute actively to the development of their communities.

Young people are called upon to move from digital consumption to creating solutions. The time to learn, innovate and act is now!