Keynote Speech
H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi
Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission
Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit 2025
Adwa Memorial, Addis Ababa, 3 April 2025
Your Excellency Taye Atske Selassie, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Your Excellency, Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs Excellencies,
Honourable Ministers,
Esteemed Youth Leaders and Delegates,
Distinguished Guests, Friends and Partners,
Good morning. It is a profound honour to join you all today at the Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit 2025, held here at the historic Adwa Memorial - a place that reminds us of the courage, unity and unwavering determination that defines the African spirit.
I must extend my gratitude to our host, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, who have graciously hosting this most impactful gathering and your warm hospitality.
This gathering, under the powerful theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa,” is more than just a summit. It is a call to action, a platform for bold ideas, and a moment to reimagine the future of our continent - with youth at the centre.
Africa is the youngest continent in the world. By 2030, our youth population will surpass 1.5 billion. This is not just a demographic trend. It is our most valuable strategic asset.
The question is: Are we doing enough to harness the full potential of Africa’s young people? This summit answers with a resounding “yes” - and more importantly, with action.
Through our continental frameworks - from Agenda 2063 to the African Youth Charter and the flagship 1 Million Next Level Initiative - the African Union is committed to building ecosystems of opportunity around five key pillars: Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Engagement, and Health and Well-being.
These are not just development areas. They are the building blocks of dignity, hope, and belonging for millions of young Africans.
The 1 Million Next Level Initiative, launched in 2022, aims to reach 300 million young Africans with meaningful opportunities by 2030.
It is a bold vision - but a necessary one. Because we know that business as usual will not work. Africa needs game-changing ideas, scalable innovations and partnerships that deliver actual results for youth across urban centres, rural communities and the diaspora.
What we have learned is clear: Youth must not only benefit from policies but also shape them.
This year, we are also laying the groundwork for a historic milestone - the 20th Anniversary of the African Youth Charter in 2026.
Adopted in 2006, the African Youth Charter is our social contract with young people. It enshrines their rights and outlines the responsibilities of Member States in ensuring their development, protection and participation.
But after two decades, we must ask: Does the Charter still respond to the lived realities of African youth today?
Through the AYC@20 campaign, we are engaging millions of young people through regional consultations, youth parliaments, digital surveys and grassroots dialogues. The aim is not only to reflect on past gains but to reimagine the Charter’s relevance and revitalize it through inclusive amendments.
We are proud that these processes are youth-led, co-created and anchored in the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
The next three days of this Summit are designed to connect ideas to action.
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You will deliberate on peace and security in a continent where conflict increasingly threatens the potential of youth.
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You will unpack youth economic empowerment at a time when unemployment and underemployment remain critical challenges.
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You will shape the conversation on climate resilience, as young people continue to lead the charge for environmental justice.
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You will explore ways to build resilient education systems, ensure digital inclusion and support youth leadership in governance.
This Summit must not end with speeches. It must end with commitments, solutions and a clear pathway for youth inclusion in every sector.
To all the young leaders here, and to millions more across the continent and the diaspora - you are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today.
Your creativity is fuelling Africa’s tech revolution.
Your voice is reshaping political spaces.
Your activism is driving social transformation.
Your resilience is redefining what is possible.
At the African Union Commission, we see you. We believe in you, under the leadership of the African Union Chairperson, H.E Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, we are committed to doing more - not just amplifying your voices but institutionalizing your leadership.
As we stand here in the shadow of the great victory of Adwa, where African unity triumphed over colonial domination, let us remember that every generation must fight its own battle.
For us, the battle is not one of war but of justice, equity, opportunity, and inclusion - principles that echo the AU’s theme of the year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” It is the battle to ensure that no young person is left behind, regardless of gender, geography or economic background.
Let us embark on this journey together - with a shared purpose, mutual respect, and boundless ambition.
The future of Africa is not waiting! It is already here. And it is being shaped by the youth in this room, as well as across every corner of our beloved continent.
May this Summit mark the beginning of a new era of courage, co-creation and continental solidarity.
Thank you. Asante Sana. Merci. Shukran. Amaseganallo. Mayibuye iAfrika!
