The theme of the conference, “Charting the Course: Youth at the Helm of Africa’s Future,” highlights the critical role of young Africans in leading conversations that shape our continent’s future. Our generation possesses the skills, insights, and determination to drive meaningful change, and we believe now is the time for youth voices to take the forefront in decision-making spaces.
This conference aims to empower young diaspora Africans to recognize and harness their potential to lead transformative conversations, influence policy, and spearhead initiatives that impact Africa and its global standing. We seek to inspire a generation of diaspora youth who are not merely participants but true leaders at the table, shaping Africa’s destiny with boldness and vision.
From the Southern Bantu language isiZulu comes a saying “Umuthi ugotshwa usemanzi” which translates to “a tree is bent while it is still wet”. The meaning of this proverb is that wisdom and behavioural influences are instilled when a person is still young.
If we intend to create thought leaders, action-takers, and change-makers, we need to make sure that we teach our youth and the next generation the significance of what it means to have the future in their hands while they are still young, to empower them to become the next generation of world leaders. “
– globalcitizen.org