Algiers, Algeria , 21st Oct. 2018: Under the theme “Role of African Youth in Building a Strong Culture towards Fighting against Corruption”, the Third African Union Specialized Technical Committee Meeting on Youth, Culture and Sports (STC-YCS–3) commences with Experts Meeting, today Sunday 21st October 2018, at Algiers, Algeria.

Convened by the Department of Social Affairs and Department of Human Resources Science and Technology of the African Union Commission, together with the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the 3rd Session of the STC-YCS3 aims to provide an opportunity for AU Member States to discuss issues pertaining to the development of the youth, culture and sport sectors at national, regional and continental levels as well as establish synergies among the three sectors.

Officially opening the Experts Meeting, H.E. Dr. Mahama Ouedraogo, Director of Department of Human Resources Science and Technology of the African Union Commission, said that “In line with the 7 Aspirations of Agenda 2063 with a focus on Aspiration 6 which advocates for “An Africa Whose Development is people driven, relying on the potential offered by African People, especially its Women and Youth, and caring for Children” the time to act is now. The time to harness African youth as partners, assets and as a matter of fact, prerequisite in the fight against corruption for the sustainable development of the African continent is now”.

He added that “Youth development as well as the promotion of cultural and sports initiatives is fundamental if Africa is to achieve its mission of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. Young people are Africa’s main asset for today and the future. The African Union as well as its Member States, need to collaborate, invest in and build on the richness and potential that young people represent for the continent in terms of skills, creativity and diversity”.

Representative of the Outgoing Bureau Chair, H.E. Kato Vital, Advisor Ministry of Sports read the consolidated report on the previous STC to all present.

Representing the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. Oulebsir Smail Secretary General of Minister of Culture welcomed the participants in Algeria and called for a holistic approach encompassing investments in Youth, Cultural industries and in Sports.

Over five days, the 3rd Session of the STC-YCS3 will discuss and deliberate on issues pertaining to the development of the youth, culture and sport sectors in the continent. The Sessions will update the AU Ministers on the status of on-going programs, and on the performance of Regional Economic Communities and Member States in Youth, Culture and Sports sectors, as well as to discus operationalization and implementation of AU Summit Decisions relevant to Youth Culture and Sports sectors on the continent.

The Experts Session will consider the reports and items on its agenda including: Plan of Action for the African Decade for Technical, Professional and Entrepreneurial Training and Youth Employment, report of the Study on the Organization of Youth in Africa, draft AU Model Law on the Protection of Cultural Property and Heritage; the Report and Framework for Action of the 1st AU Pan-African Writers’ Conference; the draft Implementation Guide of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance; the Report and Framework for Action of the V Pan-African Cultural Congress; and decisions related to the Program on Audio-Visual and Cinema.

Furthermore, the Experts will consider Report on Implementation of Youth, Culture and Sports Decisions since STC-YCS2 (2016 -2018), Policy Dialogue on the theme of the STC-YCS3: “Role of African Youth in Building a Strong Culture towards Fighting Corruption, and draft agenda and program of Work of the Ministerial Session.

The Experts will conclude their Session on 24th Oct and submit their report with their recommendations to the Ministerial Meeting which will open on Thursday 25th October 2018.

For any media inquiry, please contact:
Ms. Afrah Thabit | Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission | E-mail: Thabitma@africa-union.org |

Mr. Kholekile Mnisi| Communications Officer: AUC Youth Division| African Union Commission| E-mail: mnisik@africa-union.org

For further information, please contact:

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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