140 youth leaders and representatives from conflict-affected areas in the Bangsamoro region will attend a two-day conference on ‘The Role of the Bangsamoro Youth in the Pursuit of Peace in Mindanao’ from 12 to 13 January 2017 in Davao City, Philippines.

The event has been organised by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Implementing Panel (MILF Peace Panel) with assistance from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and funding support from the European Union (EU). Youth leaders from various organisations and local universities as well as young professionals are expected to participate.

Participants will discuss the Bangsamoro peace process and the role of young people in helping to build sustainable peace in Mindanao.

The issues of radicalization and violent extremism, which have been affecting the region, will also be addressed during the conference.

Senior representatives from the two main Moro liberation fronts will speak on the response of their respective organisations to the rise of radicalism. The event will also feature lectures on Islam and violent extremism, as well as study circles and the screening of a film on the history of Islam in the Philippines. 

The conference is being convened by the MILF Peace Panel as part of its efforts to encourage young people in the Bangsamoro region to make a greater contribution to achieving peace in Mindanao, and to raise awareness around the issues of radicalization and violent extremism.

HD has been assisting efforts to promote greater inclusivity in the Mindanao peace process since 2015, with continued support from the European Union.