LUSAKA, Zambia – 15 August 2023 – African Youth Launches the 5th Summit of Africa Youth Sustainable Development Goals (AYSDGs), under the theme, “Attaining SDGs Through Youths Innovations and Financing for Inclusive Development in Africa”.
In attendance of the summit was the Board Chairperson Alliance for Accountability Advocates in Zambia-Ms. Mwansa Chungu, UNFPA Representative for Somalia-Mr. Niyi Ojuolape, UN National Economist Strategy $ Policy Unit Zambia-Mrs. Elda Chirwa, Executive Director for Ghana Youth Advocates-Mr. Emmanuel Ametepe, Members of Parliament, Hon. Ministers, Heads of Delegations and other Representatives from Several Countries in Africa.
Speaking during the summit held at Mulungushi International Conference in Lusaka, the Executive Director for Ghana Youth Advocates-Mr. Emmanuel Ametepe, said that, the 5th youth summit calls upon member states, multilateral organizations and development partners to increase participation and allocate appropriate resources for youth networks and organizations to conduct youth shadow reports. Also, a further call for governments to ensure that, at least 30% of the official government delegations to the Africa regional forum for sustainable development and high-level political forum on the SDG Summit are youths.
“We continue to encourage members states to adopt multi-stakeholder approach that includes youths and youth networks, national development policy processes and programs, as well in all processes for voluntary national reviews. Call upon the UN and the AU to work towards the joint mechanism for the implementation and synergy between agenda 2063 and agenda 20230 for sustainable development to carry along the aspirations and needs of the Africa’s youths” Mr. Ametepe added.
In summing up, Mr. Ametepe said, “In many ways, at different times, were have come to the crossroads. Time and gain, we missed the paths, we have allowed conflict, lack of commitment and parochial interest to denigrate our quest to sustainable development in a more equal, just and environmentally friend manner. Africa does not need strong Men; it needs strong institutions and we youths are the force for Africa’s rapid transformations growth, peace and security. Actions without thought is empty and ambition never come to an end. Therefore, let us commit to our collective agenda and make the future we desire”.
Speaking at the same summit, the Board Chairperson Alliance for Accountability Advocates in Zambia-Ms. Mwansa Chungu said, “As African youths, needs to reflect on the immense power we hold to shape the future and make a positive impact in the world around us. In our rapidly, evolving world, the challenge we face are numerous and complex from environmental sustainability to social justice, non-representation on decision making tables, technological advancements to mental well-being. Yet, I firmly believe that the solutions to these challenges reside within the creative minds and passionate hearts of the youths. Our ability to think innovatively, question the status quo and collaborate across diverse backgrounds will drive the transformational changes that our society yearns for.
“The theme for this summit encapsulates the essence of our shared purpose and if natured and fueled by unwavering determination, has the power to create ripples and waves of transformation. As we engage in thought provoking discussions, and interactions over the 5th summit, we must embrace the principles of; vision and purpose, resilience in the face of adversity, collaboration and network, empathy, and lifelong learning, adapt, evolve and make summit a springboard for dreams and lasting impressions. Mrs. Mwansa added.
“To our government in Zambia and all governments in Africa, we call upon you to embrace youth innovations and provide resources especially finances to ensure the innovation become reality. To all key stakeholders, may you open your doors for youth led and youth focused organizations, especially in this last decade of the SDGs implementation meaningful partnership. We the youths are ready to work and hold ourselves and leaders accountable”. She concluded.
Meanwhile, speaking on a panel discussion, it was said that, the 5th Africa youth summit provides a unique opportunity to transcend boundaries, break barriers and work together towards a common purpose by creating a prosperous, equitable and sustainable development for the future. The challenges faced, such as poverty, climate crisis is real. However, the silver lining in that, within these challenges lies opportunities for innovation, collaboration and lasting impact. African youths are not merely stakeholders, but architects of transformation by carrying the responsibility to ensure that action leads to the continent where poverty and inequality are relics of the past.
The youth 5th summit stands as a symbol of the united effort to young people across Africa, who refuse to be mere spectators, rather the architects of change and progress. The sustainable development goal represents a roadmap to address pressing challenges. African youths, are not just beneficiary of these goals but agents of change in transforming from mere aspirations to tangible realities.
Above all, innovation is the cornerstone of progress, force that propels societies forward and allows to overcome challenges that may seem insurmountable. Admittedly, climate change has been a significant contribution factor to conflict in Africa and its impacts have disproportionately affected youths in many ways, but always one of the key drivers of change lies within the youths.
The African youths’ journey to SDGs is not without obstacles. We face wars, humanitarian emergencies, finance insecurities, inflation, unsustainable debt, systemic inequalities, environmental degradation, but it is important to remember that adversity often fuels innovation. African youths will channel challenges into opportunities, leveraging collective wisdom and find creative solutions that leave no one behind. To sum up, Africa 5th youth summit is not just a conference but a call to action.