OfficeYouthEnvoy

About the Office of the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy

The Office of the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy(AUCYE) represents and advocates for the voices and interests of African youth to the relevant African Union decision-making bodies for political commitments. The office of the Youth Envoy engages African youth on the continent and in the diaspora to draw them towards supporting and promoting intergenerational dialogue and concrete action for Africa's development, as underscored in the African Youth Charter and Agenda 2063.

Functioning within the institutional framework of the African Union (AU), as mandated by the AUC Chairperson, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Office of the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy is a political office mandated to work towards advocacy for the implementation of progressive policies and impactful actions that promote youth participation, engagement and leadership towards the realization of fundamental transformation for youth development as underlined in the African Union Youth Charter and Agenda 2063. In addition to this, The Office of the African Union Youth Envoy also serves as a repository of information on the activities, initiatives, and achievements of the commission as they relate to youth and provides a platform for young people to engage with the African Union and contribute to developing policies and meaningfully contributing to decisions that affect them.

The appointment AU Youth Envoy

The appointment of the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy is in line with decision made duringf the 30th Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government Assembly in 2018, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, announced the appointment of an African Union Youth Envoy as part of the Cabinet of the Chairperson, serving as the youngest diplomat for youth representation. The creation of this position derived from the report of Ministers produced during the second Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports (STC-YCS 2) in 2016, and specifically decision 25 thereof, which called for the appointment of an African Unionf Youth Envoy to assist in championing youth development issues in Africa through the implementation of the African Youth Charter. The appointment of the African Union Youth Envoy is in line with the report of Ministers during the 2nd Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Youth Culture and Sports (STC-YCS 2), specifically decision 25 thereof, which “CALLS for the appointment of an AU Youth Envoy to assist in championing youth development issues in Africa and REQUESTS the AUC to develop terms of reference for the same for a 2-year duration.

Ms Aya Chebbi, Republic of Tunisia was appointed by the Chairperson of the Commission as AU Youth Envoy form November 2019 –September 2021
Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, Republic of Zimbabwe was appointed by the Chairperson of the Commission in November 2021 – ongoing

Key responsibilities of the Office of the Youth Envoy

Some of the key responsibilities of the Office of the Youth Envoy include:

Advocacy: The Youth Envoy advocates for policies, programs, and initiatives that promote youth development, inclusion, and participation in decision-making processes within the AU and its member states.

Engagement: The office engages with young people, youth organizations, and stakeholders to gather input, concerns, and ideas from the youth population, ensuring that their voices are heard at various levels of governance

Capacity Building: The Youth Envoy's office supports initiatives that enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of young Africans. This can include providing training, mentorship, and educational opportunities.

Partnerships: The office collaborates with governments, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to create partnerships and networks that focus on addressing youth-related challenges.

Youth-Led Initiatives: The office supports and promotes African youth-led initiatives and projects that contribute to the development of Africa.

AGENDA 2063 ASPIRATION

Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 calls for “An Africa, whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.”

Treaties on Youth Development

Activities

Youth Envoy Reinforces Commitment to Greater Youth Participation

October 01, 2024

In a significant move towards greater youth participation and empowerment, the African Union (AU) adopted a decision

Eliminate barriers that hinder the realization of women’s right to education

July 31, 2024

Africa has made tremendous progress in advancing access to education for girls and women, however, the continent cont

Intergenerational Dialogue addresses complexities of leadership

July 16, 2024

Despite progress in recent years, the number of women in leadership positions across various sectors of development r

Africa's Future is Youth-Led, the AU Prioritizes Young Voices at the 37th Summit

February 18, 2024

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. "

AU Youth Envoy Champions Mental Wellbeing with #ICanSurvive Toolkit

February 16, 2024

"The launch of the #ICanSurvive Mental Health Toolkit is a significant stride towards confronting the mental health challenges that young Africans face.

African Union Youth Reference Committee Converges in Vienna

November 11, 2023

The African Union Office of the Youth Envoy, in collaboration with the Austrian National Youth Council, have successfully concluded a groundbreaking five-day study visit and dialogue conference in Vienna, Austria

Youth Inclusion in Championing the Implementation of AU Agenda 2063.

February 18, 2024

Press briefing under the theme "Youth Inclusion in Championing the Implementation of AU Agenda 2063.

1st AU Youth Town Hall Meeting on the margins of the 36th Ordinary Session

February 16, 2023

1st African Union Youth Town Hall Meeting on the margins of the 36^th Ordinary Session of the Union Theme: Harnessing on the Demographic Dividend for the Realization of Agenda 2063 & AfCFTA”