The T20 Africa-High-Level Dialogue took place in Pretoria on April 29-30, under the theme “Strengthening African Agency in the G20 within the Emerging Global Order.” The youth showed up in full force.
I met with Simone Mbodé Diouf, the AU Youth Ambassador for Peace-West Africa. She shared the messages below:
1. “Our voices matter in global decision-making. Africa must transition from being a passive observer to an active contributor at the global table. Young people have a crucial role to play by organizing and shaping bold, innovative solutions and asserting their presence in regional and international governance platforms.”
2. “Innovation and solidarity are our strongest tools. To transform our continent, we must invest in local development and peacebuilding initiatives, build strong networks among African youth, and advocate for a united, action-oriented pan-African vision.”
It is clear from the discussions at the High-Level Dialogue that the narrative surrounding youth needs reframing. Young people are the solution to the continent’s development challenges and should not be viewed as a “bulge,” a term with negative connotations.
African UnionAfrican Union
South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)