The African Union Commission, under the leadership of H.E. Moussa Faki, Chairperson, reaffirms its commitment to youth engagement as an integral part of the continent's developmental strategy in line with Agenda 2063. "Africa's youth represent the continent's greatest asset. Their energy, innovation, and unique perspectives are essential in driving the sustainable development outlined in Agenda 2063," stated The Chairperson. This declaration was made as he welcomed the newly formed Youth Reference Committee (YRC23) to the African Union headquarters, emphasizing the vital role of young people in decision-making processes.

The YRC23, an initiative by the Office of the African Union Youth Envoy, is set to empower young individuals by providing them with the necessary opportunities, skills, and platforms to influence decisions that impact their lives and communities. Representing a diverse cross-section of the African youth population, including members from Liberia, Madagascar, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Lesotho, and the African Diaspora, the committee exemplifies the Union's commitment to inclusivity and gender balance, with young women comprising 60% of its representation.

This initiative aligns with the African Youth Charter's calls for the facilitation and strengthening of platforms for youth participation in decision-making at all levels and prioritizes programs for marginalized youth. It also mirrors the strategic objectives of Agenda 2063, underscoring the indispensable role of a diverse and empowered youth in propelling the continent's development agenda forward.

During their welcome, AU Youth Envoy, Ms. Chido Mpemba, highlighted the significance of youth-led platforms like the YRC23 in building leadership capacity and fostering a spirit of pan-Africanist solidarity among young people. "Such committees are crucial in ensuring

youth ownership in the implementation of Agenda 2063, fostering a unified effort amongst the youth towards the development of our continent," remarked Ms. Mpemba.

The YRC23 delegation kicked off their activities at the 37th AU Summit with a meeting with H.E. Professor Mohamed Belhocine, Commissioner of the African Union Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, focusing on this year's theme, "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century." The Commissioner emphasized, "Youth must not only be beneficiaries of quality education but also partners in building resilient education systems."

In line with this theme, the AU Youth Envoy shared the AU Youth Manifesto on Education, reflecting African youth's voices gathered through consultations since August 2022, aiming to advocate for the year's educational theme. Additionally, during a special session, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, engaged with the youth delegation, highlighting the transformative role of young Africans in reshaping the continent's narrative through innovation and participation.

The AU Summit presents a critical opportunity for young Africans to directly engage with policymakers, advocate for their priorities, and contribute meaningfully to shaping continental policies. The envoy concluded by calling upon member states and development partners to support youth participation in the AU Summit and invest in platforms for continuous engagement.

At the margins of the 37th African Union (AU) Summit, the Youth Reference Committee (YRC23) played an active and vital role, participating in several key activities aimed at amplifying the voice of youth in continental decision-making and development agendas. Below are the highlighted activities that the YRC23 attended:

• The Launch Event of the #ICanSurvive Mental Health Toolkit saw over fifty young individuals from across Africa and its diaspora convened to address mental health challenges, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and action in youth mental health advocacy.

• AWLN Elders High-Level Advocacy Dinner served as a platform for essential intergenerational dialogue, this dinner highlighted the importance of young female leadership and the continuous effort to foster a lineage of empowered women leaders instrumental in Africa's development.

• Presidential Dialogue and Launch Event. The Presidential Dialogue on the African Union Financial Institutions to light the imperative for robust, inclusive financial reforms, with youth participation highlighting the urgency for systems that support Africa's economic growth and accommodate its dynamic youth demographic.

• The unveiling of H.E. Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere's statue served not only as a tribute to one of Africa's most revered leaders but also as a profound educational experience for YRC on the power of visionary leadership and the importance of solidarity in overcoming continental challenges.

• The opening Session of the 37^th Heads of State and Government Summit presented an unprecedented opportunity for the YRC to engage directly with decision-making processes at the highest level. Their presence is a testament to the AU’s commitment to inclusivity and participatory governance.It underscores the crucial role that youth play as equal and indispensable partners in shaping the future of our continent.

• The Dialogue on Domestic Resource Allocation for Education, hosted by President Nana Akufo-Addo, this dialogue underscored the critical need for investment in education, spotlighting the pivotal role of youth in advocating for and implementing educational policy reforms.

• OAFLAD Launch of the New Phase of the CARMMA Campaign. The Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) introduced a new phase of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), focusing on health and well-being, particularly for women and children.

• Press Conference on Youth Championing the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the African Youth Charter was a pivotal event that underscored the critical importance of the African Youth Charter, advocating for its ratification, full implementation, and the alignment of national policies to empower youth as key agents of development.

The Youth Reference Committee's participation in the 37th AU Summit was a collaborative initiative, supported by Afreximbank, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Offices to the AU, underscoring the critical role of collaboration in advancing the youth agenda on the continent.

For more information, contact:

Ms Wamweni Sharlette Samundengu | Office of the Youth Envoy | African Union Commission | E-mail: SamundenguW@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | OfficeYouthEnvoy | African Union

Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org

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