The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) to strengthen their collaboration and cooperation.

The MoU, which was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will provide a framework for collaboration between the UNOAU and KAIPTC to support the African Union, its Regional and Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms and Member States.

It will further strengthen the UN-AU-KAIPTC partnership in the areas of contributing to addressing peace and security on the African continent.

The MoU also marks a significant step for KAIPTC in furthering its strategic priority to support the African Union Commission to execute its mandate on promoting and securing a peaceful Africa.

Head of United Nations Office to the African Union, Dr Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, at a brief signing ceremony, expressed optimism of the prospects of the two institutions in ensuring peace and stability on the African continent.

Dr Onanga-Anyanga, also a Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), called for periodic meetings to explore areas of support to the African Union, and give the partnership real significance in terms of cooperation.

He said improving peace and security in Africa involved multifaceted and comprehensive approaches involving various stakeholders at local, regional, and international levels, adding that the signing of the MoU was significant and timely.

Such regional cooperation, he said, would be key in peace building efforts and a move to addressing the security challenges in Africa collectively.

Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant, KAIPTC, who led the Executive Management Committee of the Centre to the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to the partnership agreement.

He said sustainable peace and security in Africa required long-term commitment, collaboration, and cooperation and holistic approach to addressing the security challenges on the continent, and that the KAIPTC was ready to provide the needed support.

The Commandant said the Centre is committed to gender equality and has as a result upgraded its Women, Peace and Security unit to a department which would mainstream issues of gender but also integrate the youth - a critical component of the peace and security architecture.

Hence, the Institute would now be known as the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI).

Maj. Gen. Gyane said, recognizing the importance of engaging the youth in peace-building and conflict prevention efforts was crucial for sustainable peace and security in any society.