Africa Youth Day 2023: Celebrating African Youth’s Triumph and Resilience

The minister of state for Youth and Children Affairs Sarah Mateke has said that Uganda, in collaboration with the African Union and other development partners, will celebrate the Africa Youth Day 2023 that is scheduled November 1, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

The Africa Youth Day is dedicated to commemorating the dynamism, determination, victory, creativity, and resilience of African youth, both on the continent and in the diaspora. It underscores their priceless contributions to our nations’ socio-economic development and their pivotal role in shaping a brighter future.

This year’s theme, “1 Million Next Level is Knocking: Youth-led Movements that Transcend Borders,” emphasizes the significance of cross-border youth-led movements collaborating to build a better future and realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

This celebration is made possible with the invaluable and sustained support from development partners, including the European Union in Uganda, UNFPA Uganda, Plan International, Youth for Tax Justice Network Uganda, Habitat for Humanity, and the Africa Youth Federation. The National Youth Council of Uganda plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of Africa Youth Day 2023.

The festivities will encompass a series of engaging activities, panel discussions, workshops, and entertainment, all designed to empower and inspire young individuals to unlock their full potential. Distinguished speakers and experts will participate in discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics, focusing on education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. This serves as a prelude to the unveiling of the African Union’s 2024 theme, which emphasizes building resilient and inclusive education.

According to the state minister for Youth and children Affairs Sarah Mateke this celebration aligns with the commitment of His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, to engage and support youth, providing platforms for ideation and discussion on various approaches to human capital development and the role of youth in National and Continental Development. In July 2022, during the 3rd APRM Continental Youth Symposium, President Museveni launched the 1 Million Next Level Initiative at the national level and established a steering committee for its implementation.

Uganda led the way, followed by the Republic of Burundi and other African nations, engaging with the African Union Commission as a continental cascading secretariat for similar processes. This initiative stems from the desire of His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, African Union Commission Chairperson, to bring the commission closer to young people and provide a unified framework for continental youth development. The 1 Million Next Level Initiative has now superseded the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment until 2030.

Africa Youth Day 2023 promises to be an event filled with inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and a sense of unity among the youth. We encourage all young individuals, stakeholders, and organizations to attend and be part of this memorable occasion.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our development partners, the African Union, and all those who have contributed to making this event possible. Together, we are working towards a brighter and more prosperous future for the youth of Africa.

Therefore, we invite Uganda and other African youths to come together, unite, and celebrate the potential and promise of African youth as they lead movements that transcend borders toward the next level of progress. We eagerly anticipate your participation in this historic event.

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