Introducing an IPYG Affiliate Organization – Build Peace and Development (BPD)

 

 

A Youth NGO Practicing Peace and Sustainable Development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

“Build Peace and Development (BPD)” is a peace and development-focused non-governmental organization (NGO) based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the goal of achieving long-term peace through community conflict resolution and sustainable development, BPD works across various fields, including conflict transformation, mediation, international development, youth capacity building, and global networking, creating tangible change within local communities.

 

Peacebuilding Rooted in Local Communities

BPD engages in conflict resolution and community mediation, carrying out peacebuilding activities grounded in dialogue and mediation. In particular, the organization implements international development projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), primarily across African countries, while adopting practical approaches that integrate environmental management, resource governance, and local development.

In addition, BPD operates on youth leadership and capacity-building programs to nurture the next generation of leaders in peace and development. Through networking with peace and development practitioners worldwide, the organization continues to expand international cooperation and the sharing of experiences.

 

 

Connecting with IPYG, Expanding into a Global Youth Peace Network

Sharing the vision that youth must unite to end war, achieve peace, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations, BPD joined the International Peace Youth Group(IPYG). Since then, the organization has actively participated in various international peace initiatives alongside HWPL and IPYG.

From March to April 2025, BPD completed the Youth Empowerment Peace Class(YEPC). Beginning in April of the same year, it has been participating in the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group(YEPW) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On May 31, BPD took part in the HWPL’s 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and related volunteer activities, and in September, it attended the 11th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit. In January this year, BPD planned and carried out a local volunteer initiative in Kinshasa, continuing its grassroots peace efforts.

 

 

Moise Kitete Manala, President of Build Peace and Development, shared the following regarding BPD’s collaboration with IPYG.

“Through the IPYG education program, I realized that peace starts from myself. If I change, my community can change too. That message stayed with me.”

BPD emphasizes that peace is not a distant ideal, but a choice that can be practiced here and now. When small actions and solidarity come together, communities can change—and that change can expand into nations and the world. Moving forward, BPD will continue to carry out field-based initiatives and international cooperation in partnership with IPYG, empowering youth to grow as key actors of peace.