Flagging off the African United Nations Youth Representatives in Dar-es-Salaam

The Third Regional Training for the second cohort of the African United Nations Youth Delegate Program was recently concluded in Dar-es-Salaam, where youth representatives from the six East African countries gathered for a five-day event hosted by the UN Association of Tanzania. As the final in-person training of the series, the program sought to enhance the skills and focus of participants in preparation and finalization of their mandates.

Mr. Paschal Masalu, Deputy Executive Director of UNA Tanzania, inaugurated the training, highlighting the importance of collective action in facilitating peer-to-peer learning. In addition, the program sessions aimed to further equip youth delegates with storytelling skills and the capacity to link the revised Pact for the Future to their mandates. A key goal was to strengthen their ability to network and advocate effectively at global platforms, including in New York. Topics of discussion included Youth in Peace and Security, Youth Unemployment, and Youth Engagement, fostering a dynamic exchange of insights and strategies.

Throughout the training, participants showcased their outreach campaigns, conducted across six countries, presenting solutions to youth-related challenges and offering actionable recommendations. These presentations aligned with the overarching mandate of the program and contributed to a joint position paper for the upcoming Summit of the Future. Participants also engaged in simulations, role-plays, and team-building exercises, culminating in a panel discussion with mentors, reflecting on their experiences in New York and offering guidance on organizing side events and building networks.

The program concluded with the African United Nations Youth Conference, held at the UN Office in Tanzania. The event was attended by dignitaries, including embassy officials and high commissioners. Ambassador Noel Kaganda, Director of Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania, urged youth delegates to become symbols of hope and emphasized their role in shaping national policies. He encouraged them to harness digital technologies to drive positive change. Ms. Shabnam Mallick, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, praised the AUNYD Program and underscored the value of meaningful youth engagement in shaping the future of multilateralism.

The closing session featured presentations by the youth representatives, followed by their formal flag-off as they prepared for their next steps for the UN General Assembly.

In line with tradition, Uganda’s youth representatives, led by Project Coordinator and mentor, paid a visit to the Uganda High Commission in Dar-es-Salaam. They were hosted by Third Secretary Ms. Comfort Amviko, along with the leadership of the Association of the Ugandan Community in Dar-es-Salaam. Ms. Amviko encouraged the Ugandan representatives, Nasasira Isaac and Mukanzanira Diana, to champion positive change in their communities and emphasized the need to adhere to established procedures for sustainable development.

Asante Sana