The Africa Youth Forum, held on 15th August 2024 at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together a diverse assembly of 382 delegates, including leaders, policymakers, youth advocates, and other stakeholders, to explore and advance youth-led solutions for transformative change. The forum was attended by representatives from all 47 Kenyan counties and 6 African countries—Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Notably, 72% of the delegates were between the ages of 18 and 35, and 42% of the delegates were women, highlighting the forum's commitment to inclusivity and gender representation. The event centered around breaking barriers and amplifying youth voices through constructive dialogue, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development.

Africa is described as the youngest continent by demography, standing at a pivotal point of a demographic dividend brought about by the energy and innovation of its young people. However, the most populous demography in Africa is one of the most grossly underrepresented in decision-making roles in government, governance institutions, and processes such as legislature, political parties, and elections. 

This persistent exclusion of young people from the center of vital governance processes and decision-making has entrenched a deep-seated sense of discontent and systemic marginalization. It’s against this background that dialogue and collaboration are essential planks for continued national and continental development with the recognition that each demographic brings a unique value to the decision-making table based on their lived experiences.  

Therefore, the African Youth Forum 2024 brought together Africa’s young leaders, experienced African leaders, the private sector, academia, development partners, policymakers and government officials, and media professionals, providing a platform for them to delve into mechanisms and approaches to dialogue. But what’s the alternative to dialogue? 

To achieve shared prosperity in Africa, it is important to explore innovative approaches for cross-generational dialogue between young people and policymakers. To attain this, there have to be clear platforms and pathways for enhancing diverse viewpoints, facilitating knowledge exchange, supporting policy development, and promoting social cohesion through consensus building. The Africa Youth Forum drew perspectives from inspirational African young leaders, seasoned states persons, and experienced professionals on insights into addressing critical issues confronting the youth in Africa for sustainable development. 

The official opening of the conference commenced at 9:00 am with welcoming remarks from Ms. Phoebe Mungai, Country Director of The Oslo Center Kenya and Somalia, and Mr. Finn-Jarle Rode, Executive Chairman of The Oslo Center, Norway. Both emphasized the significance of the event, stressing the importance of youth involvement in shaping a sustainable future. The session was expertly moderated by Mr. Ayub Abdikadir, a journalist from Royal Media Services (Citizen TV), who set an engaging tone for the day's proceedings.

Opening Addresses: Breaking Barriers – Youth-led Solutions for Transformation

The opening addresses featured a lineup of distinguished leaders who each brought unique perspectives on the theme "Breaking barriers – Youth-led solutions for transformation."

• H.E. Issa Timamy, Governor of Lamu County and Party Leader of Amani National Congress (ANC), opened the session by discussing the pivotal role of youth in governance. He highlighted the innovative ways in which young people in Lamu County have contributed to local governance, particularly through community-driven initiatives that address economic development and social cohesion. Governor Timamy underscored the need for policies that empower youth to take leadership roles in their communities, advocating for greater inclusion in decision-making processes. He also recognized that the Youth Assemblies supported by The Oslo Center have been a transformative governance engagement platform for the youth and duty bearers in Lamu County. H.E. Timamy reiterated the county’s commitment to involving young people in decision-making and developing their skills as active contributors to the development of Lamu County.

• Hon. Johnson Sakaja, Governor of Nairobi City County, Kenya, highlighted the pressing issue of a crisis in authority. He emphasized that effective governance is essential for addressing the challenges faced by youth and ensuring their active participation in societal transformation. Sakaja discussed the need for reform and stronger institutional frameworks to restore trust in leadership and create an environment where youth-led initiatives can thrive. He stressed that overcoming this crisis is crucial for achieving sustainable development and fostering inclusive progress. In his keynote address, Hon. Sakaja further remarked that public institutions in Kenya view young people as a problem to be managed rather than an opportunity to be leveraged. He emphasized that the leaders’ failure to listen was the primary cause of the youth protests across the country.  

• Dr. Asha Mohammed, Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union in Ethiopia, provided a humanitarian perspective, focusing on the role of youth in crisis response and disaster management. She highlighted the importance of youth involvement in the IFRC’s efforts across Africa, particularly in areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, and health crises. Dr. Mohammed emphasized that young people bring energy, creativity, and a deep understanding of their communities, making them invaluable in designing and implementing effective humanitarian interventions. Dr. Asha also recognized the contributions of young people to humanitarian work and volunteerism across Africa. She acknowledged that the inclusion of young people in humanitarian work has brought fresh and innovative perspectives, enhancing how to better serve humanity. She called on leaders from every sector to stop viewing the youths as victims of the crisis and instead see them as active contributors to the design of humanitarian systems.

The session culminated with the official opening of the event by H.E. Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Former Vice-President of Kenya and Party Leader of Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM). In his keynote, he called for a united effort to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder youth participation in leadership and development. He stressed that young people must not only be included in discussions but should also be empowered to lead and implement change. Musyoka’s speech set a hopeful tone for the rest of the conference, emphasizing that the future of Africa lies in its youth. Hon. Musyoka  stated that the young people in Kenya had literally broken the barriers that have long hindered their involvement in decision-making following the youth-led protests. He highlighted that the Gen Z-led demonstrations in Kenya clearly showed that young people will no longer be sidelined in decision-making. 

Panel Discussion 1: The Youth Voice as an Alternative Approach to Constructive Dialogue

The first panel discussion focused on "The Youth Voice as an Alternative Approach to Constructive Dialogue." This session brought together a diverse group of panelists, each contributing unique insights into how youth can drive constructive dialogue and social change:

• Md. Margaret Kiogora, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council, Kenya, discussed the role of national institutions in supporting youth participation. She emphasized the importance of having formal structures like the National Youth Council that advocate for youth issues at the highest levels of government. Kiogora highlighted successful programs that have been implemented by the council, including mentorship initiatives, leadership training, and youth-led research projects that inform policy.

• Azmaira Alibhai, Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator at UNEP Faith for Earth, Kenya, spoke about the intersection of faith, environment, and youth activism. She illustrated how young people, guided by their faith, are leading efforts to protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development. Alibhai shared examples of youth-led environmental campaigns that have been effective in mobilizing communities to adopt eco-friendly practices, showing that faith-based approaches can play a crucial role in environmental stewardship.

• Joseph Kimani, Program Manager for Democratic Governance at the Royal Danish Embassy, Kenya, provided insights into the role of youth in democratic governance. He emphasized that youth engagement is critical for the sustainability of democratic institutions, as young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to governance challenges. Kimani discussed programs supported by the embassy that focus on enhancing youth participation in elections, civic education, and policy advocacy.

• Ivy Muchoki, Africa Union Peace Ambassador and Youth Advocate in Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Kenya, addressed the critical role of youth in transforming agricultural systems. She discussed how young people are innovating in agriculture, from introducing sustainable farming techniques to developing technology-driven solutions that improve productivity. Muchoki emphasised the importance of involving youth in agricultural policy-making to ensure that the sector remains vibrant and capable of feeding future generations.

• Kidi Mwaga, a lawyer, columnist, and convenor of the Inter-parties’ Youth Forum, championed youth inclusivity in politics. He discussed his work in promoting youth participation within political parties, highlighting the barriers that young people face in political leadership. Mwaga called for political reforms that would lower the entry barriers for youth candidates, such as reducing campaign costs and providing platforms for youth to engage in political discourse.

This discussion was dynamic and provided a comprehensive look at the different ways youth are contributing to constructive dialogue across various sectors. The panelists collectively underscored that youth perspectives are essential for creating inclusive and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by society.

Panel Discussion 2: Breaking Barriers: Leaders Championing Inclusivity for Sustainable Progress

The second-panel discussion, titled "Breaking Barriers: Leaders Championing Inclusivity for Sustainable Progress," This session featured high-profile leaders who discussed their experiences in promoting inclusivity and youth empowerment:

• Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado, National Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, Kenya, spoke on the role of religious leaders in fostering inclusivity within communities. He discussed initiatives led by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims that engage youth in interfaith dialogue, promoting understanding and tolerance among different religious and ethnic groups. Naado emphasized that religious institutions have a significant role in guiding youth towards positive social engagement and conflict resolution.

• Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency and Chairperson of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA), addressed the challenges young parliamentarians face and the importance of mentorship. He discussed how the KYPA is working to create a supportive network for young legislators, helping them navigate the political landscape and advocate for youth-centric policies. Mukunji called for more programs that connect young parliamentarians with experienced mentors who can guide them in their political careers.

• Petrider Paul, Africa Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) – East Africa Region, Tanzania, shared her work in promoting peace and security across East Africa. She highlighted the unique role of youth in preventing conflict and building resilient communities. Paul discussed several peace initiatives led by young people that have successfully reduced violence and fostered social cohesion in conflict-prone areas.

• Emily Achieng, Minister for Water, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Resilience in Mombasa County and former member of the Mombasa Youth Assembly (MYS), focused on the importance of youth involvement in environmental governance. She shared her experiences in leading efforts to enhance climate resilience in Mombasa, including youth-driven projects that address water scarcity and protect natural resources. Achieng emphasized that youth are critical in the fight against climate change and should be included in environmental decision-making processes.

• Hon. Seth Mwatale Kamanza, Speaker of the County Assembly of Kwale, Kenya, discussed the importance of youth participation in local governance. He shared insights from his work in the County Assembly, where he has been a strong advocate for youth representation in decision-making bodies. Kamanza highlighted successful youth-led initiatives within Kwale County that have addressed issues such as education, health, and infrastructure development. He stressed that empowering young people to take on leadership roles at the local level is essential for driving sustainable progress and ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard.

The panelists in this session collectively emphasized the need for inclusive leadership that actively involves young people in governance and decision-making. They highlighted the barriers that still exist for youth, such as limited access to resources and opportunities, and called for more efforts to break down these barriers to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

High-Level Keynote Address: Breaking Barriers – Amplifying Youth Voices Through Constructive Dialogue for Sustainable Development

The final session of the event featured high-level keynote addresses from several prominent figures, each of whom provided their perspectives on the theme of "Breaking barriers: Amplifying youth voices through constructive dialogue for sustainable development."

• Senator Hon. Veronica Maina, a member of the Speakers Panel in Kenya’s Senate, opened the keynote session with a powerful address on the role of youth in shaping the future of Kenya. She spoke about the Senate’s initiatives to engage young people in the legislative process, including the creation of youth advisory councils and the promotion of youth-led policy proposals. Maina emphasized that the future of Kenya depends on the active participation of its youth, and she called for continued efforts to empower young people to contribute to national development. Hon. Maina thanked The Oslo Center for providing a platform like the Africa Youth Forum for dialogue. However, Hon. Maina also highlighted that young people in Kenya had never been civically engaged to this extent before, allowing the implementation of policies that did not favor the youth. As such, she urged the youth to interact with legislation and provide their input through public participation, petitions, and memoranda to the authorities.  

• Dr. Abbas Gullet, Chief Executive Officer of Boma Panafrican Ltd and Interim President of the New Partnership for Africa Red Cross and Red Crescent Plus, Kenya, followed with a discussion on the importance of youth in humanitarian work and disaster response. Drawing from his extensive experience in humanitarian leadership, Dr. Gullet highlighted the innovative ways in which young people are contributing to disaster management and community resilience. He shared examples of youth-led initiatives that have provided critical support during emergencies and called for greater investment in building the capacity of young people to lead in this field. Mr. Abbas highlighted that policymakers should do enough to help young people assume their rightful positions of leadership despite calling them the leaders of the future. Mr. Gullet called for a comprehensive review of the country’s political economy to promote practical solutions to local problems, receiving a standing ovation for his pragmatic address. 

• H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Saudi Arabia, delivered an inspiring address focused on the role of youth in promoting peace and interfaith dialogue. Dr. Al-Issa emphasized the importance of understanding and tolerance among different religious and cultural communities. He highlighted the efforts of the Muslim World League to engage young people in initiatives that promote mutual respect and understanding across the globe. Dr. Al-Issa encouraged young leaders to be at the forefront of efforts to build bridges between communities and to lead by example in promoting peaceful coexistence. Dr. Mohammad spoke fervently about the importance of investing in young people through education and special training as the path forward, highlighting that a large number of young people worldwide are out of school and struggle with poor literacy skills, especially girls. He emphasized that education for the future must focus on both knowledge and the values of humanity

• H.E. Kjell Magne Bondevik, Former Prime Minister of Norway and Founder of The Oslo Center delivered a reflective address on the importance of inclusive leadership in fostering sustainable development. Drawing from his experience as a former head of state and a global advocate for human rights, Bondevik discussed the crucial role of youth in shaping policies that promote inclusivity and justice. He emphasized that young people must be involved in the decision-making process at all levels of governance to ensure that their perspectives are represented. Bondevik also highlighted the work of The Oslo Center in supporting youth-led initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and democratic governance around the world. Arguing strongly for dialogue, Mr. Kjell affirmed that there is no real alternative to dialogue but rather an escalation of conflict. He highlighted that the goals of dialogue were to learn to coexist peacefully and identify shared values for peace, reconciliation, and justice. Mr. Kjell commended The Oslo Center’s efforts in youth inclusion and strengthening the institutional capacities of youth leagues within political parties and Youth Assemblies.  

• Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena, Rector of the University of Peace in San Jose, Costa Rica, provided an international perspective on youth empowerment. He discussed the role of education in fostering a culture of peace and sustainable development, and how institutions like the University of Peace are working to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective leaders. Dr. Aravena emphasized the importance of integrating peace education into curricula at all levels to prepare the next generation of leaders who can address global challenges through dialogue and collaboration. Dr. Aravena noted that young people are crucial to promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and cultural diversity. However, the policymakers have failed to consolidate lasting peace, with the threat of danger ever-present. As such, he pointed out that dialogue and education enhance diplomacy, cooperation, mutual understanding, and dispute resolution.

• H.E. Caroline Vicini, Ambassador of Sweden to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, spoke about Sweden’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives around the world. She discussed how the Swedish government is working to create opportunities for young people to engage in global governance and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ambassador Vicini highlighted several successful partnerships between Sweden and youth organizations in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in amplifying youth voices and driving sustainable development. H.E Vicini acknowledged that the youth-led demonstrations in Kenya were a reawakening of young people, driven by inequality. To solidify their civic achievements, she urged the young people to channel the protests into formal democratic political processes to make an impact on the ballot by acquiring their ID and registering as voters. 

The powerful speeches and insightful panel discussions provided a roadmap for how youth can be integrated as central actors in the development process. As the event drew to a close, there was a strong consensus that the future belongs to the youth and that by amplifying their voices and supporting their initiatives, we can build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Conclusion, Commitments, and Recommendations

The event concluded with a sense of optimism and determination, as participants left with a deeper understanding of the importance of youth-led solutions in addressing the challenges of our time. The discussions throughout the day highlighted the critical role that young people play in driving social change, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting sustainable development. The event also underscored the need for continued efforts to break down barriers that hinder youth participation and to create more opportunities for young people to lead in all sectors of society.

Young people require platforms for active engagement and participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives and the communities they reside in. It is important to listen and value their ideas and perspectives to enrich public policy. Therefore, youth voices can facilitate inclusive dialogue that builds understanding, mitigates potential conflicts, and enhances cooperation in a bid to promote human rights, peaceful co-existence, and prosperity.

Bolstered by their energy, creativity, and technology, young people are at the forefront of effecting social change in their environment, nurturing resilient and inclusive communities. Through interventions that build the framework for identifying, processing, and upscaling innovative ideas borne by the youth’s demographic dividend, Africa’s critical sectors such as education, environment, and entrepreneurship stand to gain from the innovation, enthusiasm, and active participation of young people in shaping the destinies of their societies. 

Inclusivity, pursued by leaders within structures of governance, is critical to ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are represented in decision making processes, leading to a more equitable, and progressive society. Leaders can foster the value of inclusivity in development and policy-making that harnesses the potential of the community, creating a pool of innovative ideas catalyzing sustainable development progress. 

Constructive dialogue and engagements between young people and policymakers must be driven by evidence-based facts, high literacy levels, a grasp of current affairs, and the ability to articulate youth-centered issues. Therefore, education plays a critical role in facilitating a peaceful and cohesive existence by equipping young people with the skills and knowledge for effective communication, conflict resolution, and alliance-building. The conference recognized that the Youth Assembly program, championed and facilitated by The Oslo Center, is a model platform for amplifying youth voices through constructive dialogue. 

Committments

The Youth Assemblies: The Oslo Center calls for the establishment of Youth Assemblies across Africa as vital platforms for dialogue and constructive engagement between young people and governments at both sub-national and national levels. These assemblies will not only amplify the voices of young people but also bridge the gap between them and policymakers for an inclusive governance system. By strengthening the linkages between Youth Assemblies and government institutions, we aim to ensure that young people gain a comprehensive understanding of government processes while nurturing a collaborative relationship that enhances government responsiveness to youth-driven issues.

Staying Informed and Engaged: For effective dialogue, we call on the young people and policymakers to collaborate and must rate to build a more inclusive and participatory society. As we prepare to convene the Youth Assembly, we call upon all stakeholders to actively participate in this transformative process. The Oslo Center commits to galvanizing support and leading other stakeholders in strengthening the linkages between rights-holders, who are the young people, and duty bearers, who are the policymakers. We will continuously empower young people with the knowledge and tools to claim their rights and actively participate in the governance process and policymakers to meet their obligations effectively and respond to the needs of the citizens they serve.  

Moulding Peace Agents through Amani Peace Clubs: The Oslo Center will revive the implementation of peace clubs within institutions of learning, from primary, and secondary to tertiary levels. This initiative seeks to place young people in learning institutions at the center of creating solutions to all forms of insecurity in the country through “Amani Clubs”. The Oslo Center will build the capacities of the young people, equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills to understand their roles in mitigating violence and deploy them in constructively building a cohesive society from a tender age. The peace clubs will be a pathway to joining the Youth Assemblies in the future

Recommendations

• Roll out peacebuilding initiatives within institutions of learning by creating a pool of young peace agents to spearhead peace initiatives within their societies.

• Establish Youth Assemblies across Africa and expand the existing platforms in Kenya to the mainland.

• Develop participatory frameworks for co-creation between policymakers and young people through co-planning, co-designing, and co-implementation.

• Build and strengthen linkages and partnerships with the government and public sector actors for knowledge and information sharing. 

• Utilize technology in designing public policy solutions for young people to enhance collaboration, expand programmatic reach, simplify governance processes, and enhance accountability.