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To kick off the conversation, Moussa Mara, a dynamic former Prime Minister of Mali, delved into the profound significance of democracy and the pivotal role of youth involvement. Sharing his inspiring journey, Mara recounted how he became mayor at the remarkable age of 34 and ascended to the position of minister by 39. His story stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities available to young people who are determined to make a difference.
The 2-day advocacy workshop was designed to be a hybrid event, offering both in-person and virtual participation options. The physical event was be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, providing an opportunity for direct engagement and collaboration. The hybrid format enabled the inclusion of a broader audience, reaching youth, young women, and youth networks globally. The first day of the workshop marks a crucial step in the journey towards equipping young advocates with the necessary resources to drive meaningful change.
Youth delegates drawn from The Youth Cafe, attended a 3-Summit with the support of Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat and AGRA, dubbed the ‘Africa Fertilizer and Soil Summit’ convened by The African Union. The Summit, whose purpose was to bring together all relevant stakeholders to highlight the crucial role of fertilizer and soil health in stimulating sustainable pro-poor productivity growth in African agriculture and to agree on an African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, as well as the Soil Initiative for Africa framework.
MELISSA FLEMING, Under-Secretary-General of Global Communications and Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the President of Kenya and the Secretary-General, the members of the Kenyan Government, representatives of UN Member States, UN colleagues and civil society to the closing session of the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference, in support of the Summit of the Future. The past two days had been an incredible journey, with 2500 people gathering from 110 countries to participate in the Conference in Nairobi. From the events and the briefings which preceded the Conference, to the interactive dialogues, the workshops and imPACT coalitions, it had been an innovative and impactful convening.
Following the first day of active discussions that reflected on the Pact of the future in the presence of the co-facilitators, senior UN officials and governments, the second day of the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference began with an interactive dialogue: Looking ahead to the Summit and beyond. Moderated by Melissa Flemming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications and Mai Sami Ahmed, Save the Children, the discussion heard from panelists, with questions and comments from participants, and responses from United Nations Agencies, Philanthropy and Member States.
Recalling the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) Malabo Declaration adopted during the Twenty-Third Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in June 2014. In the Declaration, the Member States committed to inclusive agricultural transformation. The CAADP-Malabo declaration also solidified previous decisions, including the 2003 Maputo Declaration on CAADP; the 2004 Sirte Declaration on the Challenges of Implementing Integrated and Sustainable Development in Agriculture and Water in Africa;
The afternoon portion of the day began with the discussion “Civil Society Recommendations on the 5 Chapters of the Pact for the Future, Declaration on Future Generations, and Global Digital Compact”. Moderated by Tawanda Mutasah, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Impact, Oxfam America and Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the discussion heard from the rapporteurs of the five chapters, who summarized the key recommendations discussed in the workshops held earlier in the day.
The Department of Global Communications had never organized a conference of this size, which had attracted such a high level of interest, in such a short period of time. Over 3,600 civil society representatives from 2,750 entities had registered, along with around 400 representatives of 64 governments, seven International Governmental Organizations (IGOs), 37 United Nations entities and over 100 media reporters. 70 percent of those registered were from Africa and 40 percent of all registrations were youth, in the age group 18 to 34. Mr. Nasser hoped the expectations from the Conference would be achieved.
The Health NGOs’ Network (HENNET) expresses deep concern over the ongoing industrial action by doctors under the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) which represents over 7,000 members. The doctors issued their strike notice on 6th March 2024 and effected it on 15th March 2024 to date. Other Health Care Workers (HCWs) issued their strike notice on 2nd April 20241 and have warned the government that they will join the doctors. This industrial action will not only affect the health outcomes in Kenya but will also affect the achievement of the Medium Term Four Plan 2023-2027 and that of Vision 2030 of providing “equitable and affordable healthcare at the highest possible standard” to all citizens and “building a just and cohesive society that enjoys equitable social development in a clean and secure environment” by the year 20303 respectively.
We understand that democracy and elections play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of countries around the world. In Africa, where many nations have struggled with authoritarian leadership and political instability, the importance of democracy and fair elections cannot be overlooked. It is widely believed that democracy allows for the voice of the people to be heard and for leaders to be held accountable to their constituents. However, recent findings on Kenya’s election by the Youth Cafe (2023) showed that there was a decline of 5.17% of the registered youth in 2022 compared to the ones registered in the 2017 elections. The low youth participation was attributed to the general idea that the votes do not count in the elections, lack of trust and confidence in the political system and the youth’s unemployment issues. As such, it is important to provide meaningful economic engagements, provide improved democratic processes such as digital and free civic education and provide free and fair election processes.
