About me

 

My resolve to promote peaceful coexistence, challenge bias and engage in intercultural dialogue continues unabated in a highly polarized world.

I believe in the possibility of  a violence free society by investing in women and youth. Time and again, this has proven to be the panacea for ending violent conflicts and promoting sustainable peacebuilding interventions.

 

 

 

My Expertise

This website is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of my work, skills, and the impact I've made.

Policy Advocacy

Policy advocacy is a fundamental driver of social change and community transformation. My professional experience includes engaging in high-level global policy forums to advocate for the rights and interests of vulnerable populations and marginalized communities worldwide. Through strategic policy engagement, I have contributed to discussions on critical systemic challenges, including youth unemployment at the African Union (AU) Summit. I have also represented youth voices at the United Nations First Global Forum on Youth Policies and the ECOSOC Youth Forum, advocating for sustainable development and promoting policies that strengthen peace, security, and inclusive development. These experiences have enhanced my ability to influence policy dialogue, foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and advance evidence-based solutions to complex social challenges.

Peacebuilding and Human rights

Peace, security, and human rights are at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals, and they have been central to my professional work throughout my career. As a peacebuilding practitioner and mentor, I am committed to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed for conflict management, intercultural dialogue, and violence prevention. I believe that empowering youth as agents of peace is fundamental to building resilient, inclusive, and cohesive societies at the local, national, and international levels.

My experience includes facilitating conflict resolution workshops, contributing to peace research initiatives, and participating in high-level policy dialogues, including the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa. Through these engagements, I have contributed to shaping discussions on peace and security from the perspectives of women and young people, and advocating for inclusive approaches to conflict prevention and sustainable peacebuilding.

Connecting my passion with purpose

My commitment to advancing peaceful societies continues to drive my work with passion, purpose, and determination as I strive to contribute to a world free from violence, where dialogue, inclusion, and human dignity are the foundations of sustainable development.

"Fast forward after five years since knowing her, I would like to work with her over and over again because of  her great accommodating spirit and leadership skills."

Stella Rotich,  County Government of Bomet, Kenya/Chief Officer ICT

"She has demonstrated her leadership across regions and cultures."

Abdul Agukoh, Program Manager at AMREFF

"A self-driven, articulate, intelligent, insightful and analytical scholar who is also a team player."

Dr. Wachira Wamuyu, Co-President, Pax Christi International/ Senior Lecture St Paul's University

Let's connect

I'm always open to new opportunities and collaborations. Feel free to reach out to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your next project.

Get in touch

Based in Sweden

You can connect with me via social media or through the contact form on this website.

Facebook: vyonne Akoth-Westling

Instagram: @akothwestling

Email: vyonne@akothwestling.com