The High-Level Meeting on the World Programme of Action for Youth at 30 under the theme: “Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration” took place at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on September 25, 2025, in New York.

The African Union Commission (AUC) delegation at the meeting included Deputy Chairperson, H.E . Selma Malika Haddadi, and Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Director for Gender, Youth and Development ( WGYD).

The Commission submitted the contribution on the work the AU is doing to promote youth agenda in the African continent, reiterating that, this 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth is a moment to align the global youth agenda with Africa’s own instruments, particularly the African Youth Charter and the One Million Initiative (1MNL). Further acknowledging that investment in youth is not optional, but essential for peace, stability, innovation, and prosperity.

The Commission underscored that commitment to youth is also a commitment to peace and security. Young people are essential actors in silencing the guns, building resilient societies, and shaping a future where stability and development go hand in hand.

It is worth noting that this anniversary is a reminder that global solidarity is key. Africa cannot walk this path alone. There is need to engage governments, development institutions, civil society, and the private sector to join in translating global commitments into concrete actions that reach young people at the grassroots.

It is therefore crucial to create meaningful opportunities for young people, uphold their rights and fundamental freedoms, ensure their participation in governance and decision-making at all levels. Young people should be seen as drivers of change, leaders and architects of Africa and the world’s future.

Prior to this meeting, the Commission contributed on the High-Level Meeting on the Commemoration of the 30^th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action which took place on September 22, 2025, at the UN General Assembly, under the theme: Recommitting to, Resourcing and Accelerating the Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to Achieve Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women  and Girls.

The Commission’s contribution shared positive progress that Africa witnessed remarkable progress of women in leadership: Tanzania and Namibia Heads of States are women, demonstrating that women can and do lead at the highest levels of Governance and Institutional Decision Making.  

For further media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communications Directorate, AUC, and Communication Adviser of the Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | E-mail: yamboue@africanunion.org  , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)