ADDIS ABABA — The fourth edition of the African Youth Leadership Diplomatic Conference commenced in Addis Ababa today, gathering over 150 young delegates from various African nations to discuss key issues related to diplomacy and international relations.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the conference aims to foster a deeper engagement among African youth in the continent’s diplomatic affairs and development agenda. Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie highlighted the critical role of youth participation in realizing Africa’s aspirations and extended an invitation to the delegates to visit the Adwa Victory Memorial, symbolizing the importance of unity and resilience in African history.
Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfaye emphasized the conference’s role in empowering young Africans to contribute actively to the continent’s development initiatives. The event, she noted, is pivotal for encouraging the involvement of the youth in shaping Africa’s future.
Chala Asefa, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association, underscored the significance of the conference in enhancing youth participation in diplomacy. He pointed out the alignment of the conference’s objectives with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, stressing the importance of integrating youth perspectives in achieving these long-term goals. Asefa called on the African Union to consider scheduling the youth leadership conference in conjunction with its annual summit to ensure greater visibility and impact.
The conference, organized by the Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association in partnership with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and the Addis Ababa City Administration, saw the attendance of senior government officials and aims to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration among the continent’s young leaders over the next three days.