Addis Ababa-12th September -On the occasion of the African Youth Charter adoption in the Executive Council Decision of the Banjul Summit 2006 (DOC.EX.CL./292 (IX) the 1st of November was proclaimed and instituted as Africa Youth Day. It is a day set aside every year to promote the increased recognition of youth as key agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development in all areas of African society. It is an occasion to celebrate the youth on the continent, and an opportunity to contribute and channel youth motivation, energy and creativity towards political, social and economic renewal. The celebration also serves to contribute and channel the youth voices, energy and idealism to reinforce the efforts towards the achievement of sustainable development in Africa.

This year’s celebration is themed “Raising Youth Voices Against Corruption in Africa”. The AUC therefore encourages all young people, youth structures, member states and other relevant stakeholders to come together and celebrate the role of Youth Against Corruption in their local communities. Similarly, the Division in charge of youth development within the Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology of the African Union Commission will commemorate Africa Youth day at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission asserts that “to enable the African youth to fight against corruption, governments must provide a viable environment through the implementation of policies which favour investments in the four pillars (of Africa’s Demographic Dividend)”.

H.E. Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology emphasizes, “Young people must be empowered with the resources to fight against corruption and the space needed to thrive which will create worthwhile advancement towards actualizing our shared goals”.

The celebration of Africa Youth Day aims to tap into the potential of youth and harness it to better the lives of those who live in the African continent. “Further to this celebration, the launch of an Africa Youth Month to broaden the scope of youth action is yet another step towards the right direction into realizing this narrative” adds Prudence Ngwenya: Head of Human Resources & Youth Development Division

In the month-long celebrations of the annual event, workshops, panel discussions and policy roundtables with Youth and Corruption Experts are some of the interactive sessions that will take place. The event also aims to send strong messages and calls to action throughout the continent such as “The Africa We Want - A corrupt free Africa”, “An Africa led by youth to combat corruption”, “Youth as key partners in eliminating corruption” and “How the AUC values the contributions and actions of African Youth to end corruption”.

Youth and youth organisations across the continent are urged to share their different Africa Youth Day activities with the AUC Youth Division on social media using the hashtags #BetheFutureToday #BetheVibe #AfricaYouthDay #YouthAgainstCorruption

For further information contact:
Mr. Kholekile Mnisi: Communications Officer- AUC Youth Division
Email: mnisik@africa-union.org
Tel +251 953148149
Media inquiries should be directed to:
Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou| Head of Information Division | African Union Commission|
Tel: +251 (0) 911 36 11 85 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org |
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.africa I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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