Building on our core methodology, the Common Ground Approach, CGA2A is a collaborative, non-adversarial advocacy approach designed to achieve win-win outcomes that align diverse stakeholder interests and foster practical, lasting solutions. The trainings equip participants with tools and strategies to analyze complex issues, map key stakeholders, craft impactful messages, and engage effectively with decision-makers, even in restrictive environments. Through this approach, participants develop comprehensive advocacy plans that promote inclusive participation in political and peacebuilding processes.

Using Search’s Participatory Protection and Inclusion Risk Analysis methodology, these sessions aim to identify and map risks to participants' protection, well-being, and inclusion during advocacy efforts, considering young people's intersectional identities, needs, capacities, and experiences. Through these sessions, we develop mitigation strategies to help young people address identified risks and carry out their advocacy initiatives safely, a resource that will be made available in the app.

This activity brings together youth representatives and African and EU policymakers in a collaborative space to foster open discussions, promote joint decision-making, and co-create policies. By facilitating these direct engagements, the dialogues aim to bridge generational gaps, build mutual understanding, and encourage a community of inclusive policies that promote youth agency in shaping decision-making processes across Africa.

Building on Search’s expertise in Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) and its ongoing support to both global and national-level coalitions advancing YPS agendas in several African countries, this activity promotes a multi-partial, coalition-based approach to advocacy that fosters collaboration across dividing lines. It brings together youth groups with diverse perspectives around shared agendas, strengthening their collective agency and impact. The initiative also cultivates intergenerational partnerships with key institutions to support youth co-leadership and enhance institutional legitimacy. Through these coalitions, young people are better positioned to shape policies and programs that reflect their priorities.

We facilitate meaningful exchanges between youth and policymakers by enabling young people’s active participation in key regional and international policy platforms, such as the EU YPS Conference and other high-level forums. These spaces help elevate youth voices on the issues that matter most to them, ensuring their perspectives are reflected in policies and decisions that impact their lives and communities.