This August, active citizens from across the globe came together for the first ever JCI African Youth Development Summit in Nairobi, Kenya to work toward the advancement of the continent.

The purpose of this event was to provide a platform for young leaders of the region to develop a vision for community development across Africa and clearly define and commit to the role of young people in advancing this vision.

The Summit, which was held in collaboration with the Sixth Tokyo International Conference of African Development (TICAD VI), was guided by the vision of the Africa We Want as outlined in Agenda 2063. Agenda 2063 is a call for action to all segments of African society to work together to build a prosperous and united Africa based on shared values and a common destiny created by the African Union.

The event offered a full program featuring engaging speakers from all sectors across Africa. Summit attendees took part in the interactive workshops to analyze the current situation and challenges, discuss about Agenda 2063 and the Global Goals and formulate sustainable solutions. The Summit concluded with the creation of the 2016 JCI African Youth Development Summit Declaration, which outlined the commitments of African youth to produce an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa:

1. Educate citizens and young people on their role in the development of the continent.
2. Use the JCI Active Citizen Framework to unite all sectors of society for the creation of peaceful communities.
3. Change the narrative of Africa by focusing on opportunities for solutions, making Africa a global player.
4. Include Agenda 2063 and the relevant aspirations in annual plans of action of youth led organizations by creating hubs that would ensure action is taken toward its advancement.
5. Unite and mobilize all African citizens for the development of the continent irrespective of religion, tribe, gender, age, class and creed.
6. Empower young people with opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge needed to take ownership of Africa.
7. Provide platforms for transnational collaboration that ensures the continent moves forward together for its sustainable development.

The Summit Declaration was presented at the TICAD VI conference by JCI President Paschal Dike and JCI Secretary General Arrey Obenson.

“The future of Africa unquestionably belongs to its young people and while it is necessary to engage government actors, it is imperative that African development includes all sectors of society namely government, business and the civil society,” said JCI Secretary General Arrey Obenson.

Viloshna Sonoo

2016 Local President

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