Hassan Ghazaly, an Egyptian member of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Focal Point Committee and Founder of the Global Solidarity Network, formally handed over the outcomes of the 5th African Youth Symposium to Mr. Dada Morero, the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, and Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Vilakazi, the APRM Chairperson, at the conclusion of the event.
The Symposium, held at the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa under the theme: **”Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity,”** featured robust discussions and the participation of numerous prominent African and international figures.
Attendees included the Honorary President of the Symposium, H.E. Fortune Zephaniah Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP); Hon. Laila Daahi, Chairperson of the PAP Committee on Youth; Ahmed Bennegh, Secretary-General of the African Youth Union (AYU); Dr. Sunshine Monihenh Leimenh, Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) of South Africa; Dr. Bernice Hlagala, Executive Director of the Office for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the Presidency; Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Minister of Public Service and Administration and APRM Focal Point; H.E. Vincent Angeline Meriton, former Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles; Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Lennon Monyae, Civil Society Officer and Conference Coordinator at the APRM Secretariat; Nefertiti Moshia Tchipanda, Permanent Representative of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF); and Mr. Moketsi Khoahla, Co-Chair of the Y20 South Africa (G20) Engagement Group.
The two-day conference followed an intense, action-oriented agenda, adopting a participatory and inclusive approach to ensure diverse youth representation. It commenced with high-level opening statements and discussions, followed by structured activities including academic and political roundtables, sessions showcasing youth-led success stories and innovations, and direct dialogues with political decision-makers and African Union officials. A dedicated exhibition for youth initiatives was also featured.
The core of the Symposium focused on working group discussions across five key pillars:
* Peace and Security in Africa: Focusing on the role of youth in peacebuilding and early warning mechanisms.
* Generation Z and Participation in Governance: Examining innovations in digital governance and reforming governance institutions to be more youth-centric.
* Development and Employment: Discussing inclusive economic policies for entrepreneurship and job creation.
* Re-evaluating the AU on Youth Development: Including an assessment of the African Youth Charter and policy alignment with the AU Agenda 2063.
* Amplifying African Youth and Restorative Justice: Focused on arguments for reparations, youth perspectives on colonial legacy, and strategies for promoting economic justice.
In his concluding remarks, which included the Summit’s final recommendations, Hassan Ghazaly stated that the African youth are striving to move **”From Promise to Prosperity”** through accountable and transparent governance. He stressed the need for a review of the African Youth Charter, coinciding with its 20th anniversary.
Ghazaly added that attendees unanimously agreed that effective youth participation in governance is linked to sustainable peace. He issued an urgent appeal to AU leaders for immediate action to protect civilians and restore security in Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sahel region, and other conflict hotspots. He also highlighted the need to address the age gap between decision-makers and citizens through electoral reforms that reduce candidacy fees and allow broader participation for youth and independent candidates.
On the economic and social front, Ghazaly expressed concern over high youth unemployment and the mismatch between education and the labor market, emphasizing that these factors exacerbate issues like drug abuse and mental health crises. He called on governments to adopt comprehensive employment policies, promote entrepreneurship, support national youth development agencies, and shift from exporting raw materials to local manufacturing based on science and technology. He also underscored the importance of operationalizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and adopting gender-responsive budgets to ensure the inclusion of women in development. He affirmed that prosperity is built through collective effort, leadership, and accountable governance.
Ghazaly concluded by asserting that the transition “From Promise to Prosperity” demands courage, solidarity, and innovation. “Prosperity is not a gift to be granted,” he said, “but is built through collective effort, visionary leadership, and accountable governance. This is the renewed pledge of the delegates of the 5th APRM Youth Symposium, striving for a more peaceful, prosperous, and unified African continent.”
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