Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 27 January 2016: The intergenerational dialogue between youth and Heads of State and Government and key continental and global institutional Leaders is one of the ways envisaged as a platform for improving the contact between youth and key policy makers, in order to achieve understanding and solidarity between them. The 5th Intergenerational Dialogue assembled over 200 hundred youths, delegates, ministers and Heads of institutions today, 27th January 2016 at the African Union Commission (AUC) under the theme: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063.” This is providing a platform for the voices of young people to be heard by decision-makers at the highest level Facilitating dialogue between the two generations will in the long run promote an attitude where challenges are seen as opportunities, instead of focusing on the negative consequences that might appear.

Addressing the high level meeting H.E. Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner, Human Resources Science and Technology (HRST) of the AUC welcomed the African youths representing the five regions of Africa and also the Diaspora. He said the theme of the meeting: “Harnessing the Demographic dividend in Africa towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063” is pertinent because it is inline with the theme of the 2017 Summit. The commissioner underscored the fact that the development of Africa requires harnessing the full potential of its youths both girls and boys. “The potential of our youth must be unleashed for the sustainable development of Africa.” He highlighted.

The youth were called upon to make the most of this opportunity not to be limited only in expressing themselves, but also to focus towards taking ownership of Agenda 2063 while ensuring that their voices and concerns are taken into account in the African policies, frameworks and charters put in place for youths development. Commissioner Ikounga reiterated the efforts done by the AU Commission to transform the Youth Volunteer into African Professionals. He called upon the African youths to be concrete and pragmatic in their decision-making processes. “View yourself in the proper context: there are many youths out there that did not have the privilege of attaining this meeting with high dignitaries. You should therefore align your interests with those of the ordinary youths and make solid decisions that will transform the lives of all African Youths.” He concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the African youths, Ms. Francine Muyumba, President of The Pan African Union (PYU), appreciated H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Commission for all their flagship projects towards empowering the youths. The on-going dialogue with the African Leaders and youths is a rear opportunity. “We represent more than 60% of the continent population, and therefore as majority we should be given higher priorities in all spheres, be it economic, education, health and peace and development” highlighted Ms. Francine Muyumba.

It is now 10 years since the adoption of the African Youth Charter in Banjul declarations; it is time to hold the governments accountable for the implementation of all the actions and policies. We must develop plans for action to achieve together with the AUC Agenda 2063, particularly aspiration 6 which stipulates an Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of Africa people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children. She called for to combined efforts to ensure the African Union has a seat within the United Nations Security Council; “the world cannot discuss African problems, without African people.” Ms. Francine underlined. African youths are victims of arm conflict and they contribute in peace building in the continent. We must end terrorism and extremist, illegal migration, poverty, unemployment, conflict because African is where food, peace, love and harmony exist. Change is now and together we can make it happen.” She underscored.

The two days meeting discussions will be guided under the following themes; Economic empowerment, Legislation and Employment opportunities. Health Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Education: Skills development and innovation Governance: Peace and security.

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HB/EAT

Journalists wishing to interview the leadership of the AU Commission during the Summit should submit their requests to Mrs Esther Azaa Tankou, Ag. Director of Information and Communication of the AUC, via E-mail: YambouE@africa-union.org / esthertankou@yahoo.com

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