African youth and governance conference launched
A Non-governmental organisation focussed on youth participation in governance,Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF), has launched the fifth African Youth and Governance Conference (AYGC) in Accra.
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The conference is aimed at creating the platform for the youth to critically discuss issues affecting the development of the country and West Africa as a whole.
Speaking on the theme: “Youth Inclusive Governance: Harnessing Africa’s Demographic Potential’’, the Government Statistician, Dr Philomena Nyarko, said it was about time the youth participated actively in policy making, as, involving the youth in decision-making would directly affect their future lives.
She added that the youth had the potential, which when exposed to the appropriate environment could propose lifelong solutions to many developmental crises.
The conference which is slated from August 7-9, 2013 is expected to host about 250 youth delegates from over 35 African countries and African Diaspora.
The Foundation has organised the AYGC in successive years advocating the ratification of the African Youth Charter by member countries of the African Union (AU).
The National Youth Authority has implemented provisions in the Charter such as the establishment of the Youth Parliament.
The Executive Director of the YBF, Mr Seth Oteng, mentioned that this year’s conference would discuss the core issues facing the youth by working with all stakeholders including African governments, development agencies, educational institutions, the private sector and the youth themselves to develop and implement appropriate policies and programs for the youth.
He said given the right platforms, training and exposure, the young African could be positioned to champion a sustainable development agenda in peace on the continent.
“Africa today is experiencing the most rapid urbanisation in the world and remains a young population with more than half of its more than one billion population under the age of 35,” Mr Oteng said and added that achieving a demographic dividend, either at home or from the Diaspora was not automatic but rather one that required specific strategies and coordinated effort.
By Ruby Efe Ani-Adjei & Alima Awudu/Daily Graphic/Ghana
