The future is Now
The second edition of the African Youth Leadership Summit, held in Zagora, Morocco in 2019, brought together a diverse group of 124 young leaders especially from the Zagora Region as in this edition we focused on allowing marginalized communities to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the continent. With the theme “The Future Is Now,” the summit aimed to inspire and equip young people to take action and shape their own destinies.
Key Themes and Discussions
The summit delved into a wide range of topics related to youth leadership, sustainable development, and the future of Africa. Key themes included:
- Youth Empowerment: The importance of empowering young people as agents of change and providing them with the necessary skills and resources.
- Innovation and Technology: The potential of technology to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of Africans.
- Entrepreneurship and Job Creation: The role of entrepreneurship in creating jobs and economic opportunities for young people.
- Global Partnerships: The importance of international cooperation and collaboration to address Africa’s challenges.
- Sustainable Development Goals: The specific challenges and opportunities facing Africa in achieving the SDGs.
Key Outcomes
The summit resulted in several key outcomes, including:
- A strengthened sense of community and solidarity: Participants forged new connections and built lasting relationships.
- Innovative project ideas: Youth developed creative and impactful projects aimed at addressing the challenges facing their communities.
- Increased awareness and understanding: Participants better understood the SDGs and their relevance to Africa.
- Commitment to action: Participants pledged to take action in their communities to promote sustainable development and social change.
Recommendations
The summit participants identified several key recommendations for achieving the SDGs in Africa, including:
- Invest in youth development: Provide young people with the education, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed.
- Foster innovation and entrepreneurship: Support young entrepreneurs and social innovators who are developing solutions to pressing challenges.
- Strengthen partnerships: Promote collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and international development agencies.
- Prioritize sustainable development: Integrate the SDGs into all development policies and programs.
- Empower women and girls: Recognize the critical role of women and girls in achieving the SDGs.
Conclusion
The African Youth Leadership Summit 2019 was a resounding success, demonstrating Africa’s youth’s passion, commitment, and creativity. The summit provided a valuable platform for young people to share their perspectives, collaborate on solutions, and inspire action towards a more sustainable and equitable future.