ADDIS ABABA – The upcoming Pan-African Youth Leaders Continental Forum aims to enhance young people’s diplomatic and decision-making skills, according to the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA).
The forum is set to take place from April 3 to 5. It was learnt.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, MoWSA Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) emphasized that the forum will play a vital role in harnessing youth potential to shape the future of the continent in line with the “Africa We Want” agenda.
She highlighted that the event will not only strengthen youth contributions to a peaceful Africa but also raise awareness of their rights and responsibilities under the African Youth Charter.
“Youth make up 70% of Africa’s population, with 1.2 billion aged between 15 and 24. With proper guidance in areas such as development, education, and health, young people have the potential to drive Africa’s progress and realize its development goals,” Ergogie stated.
Bringing together over 1,000 participants from 53 African countries, the event will be hosted at the Adwa Memorial Museum. Activities will include:
Ergogie underscored the significance of holding the forum at the Adwa Memorial Museum, noting that the Victory of Adwa symbolizes freedom and resilience for Black people worldwide.
She also highlighted Ethiopia’s leading role in the Pan-African movement, its contributions to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (now the African Union) and its efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties across the continent.
Furthermore, she stressed MoWSA’s commitment to empowering youth on both national and global platforms. The Ministry has been actively working to revise Ethiopia’s National Youth Policy and ensure youth participation in social, economic, and political affairs.
The forum is expected to bring together local and continental youth organizations, influencers, top government officials, and ministers from across Africa, making it a key platform for youth engagement and leadership development.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2025
