The African United Nations Delegate Program (AUNYD) 2024 came to a remarkable close in Addis Ababa, hosted by the United Nations Association of Ethiopia. Over three inspiring days, youth representatives, mentors, coordinators, and executive directors came together to reflect on their shared journey, looking back at the transformative experiences in New York, the connections made, and the collective progress achieved throughout the program. The sessions were rich with purpose, focusing on topics that deeply resonate with young people today: Youth, Peace, and Security, Youth Unemployment, and Meaningful Youth Participation. These conversations tied directly to the Pact for the Future, highlighting Actions 20, 34, and 36/37, and exploring how youth can lead the way in shaping and implementing these global commitments.
A key highlight was the outreach campaigns, where youth representatives shared their efforts to bring the Pact to life in grassroots communities. These campaigns sparked vital conversations with local communities, gathering their perspectives and involving them in the Pact’s implementation—a true example of global action meeting local impact.
The program’s closing ceremony, held at the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, was a celebration of youth voices and achievements under the theme: “Voices of Change: Youth Experiences in the AUNYD Program.” The event featured a gallery walk showcasing the incredible outreach work done in six countries—Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. Mentors shared how these campaigns reflected the three key mandates, bringing data and stories from the ground to life.
A thought-provoking panel discussion on “Youth Engagement in East Africa: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward” further inspired participants to think critically and collaborate on solutions to regional challenges. As the event drew to a close, heartfelt remarks from key leaders filled the room with gratitude and encouragement. Mr. Samuel Fekade applauded the youth representatives for raising the voices of young people and their communities. The Secretary-General of the UN Association of Uganda reflected on the program’s impact, saying, “We’re not retiring, we’re retyring”—a powerful reminder that this journey is only the beginning.
Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident Coordinator, delivered an inspiring address, reminding everyone that their work is driven by a shared purpose: global justice, equality, peace, and sustainable development. “Don’t lose your energy,” he urged. “Keep sharing knowledge and driving change.”
In the final moments, Isabel Müller from CRISP joined the executive directors to recognize the youth representatives and mentors with well-deserved certificates of appreciation. Under the theme “From Global Advocacy to Local Impact,” these awards celebrated their tireless dedication to making a difference.
This milestone would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of the program coordinators, mentors, the CRISP team, and support from the German Foreign Ministry. Their commitment has ensured that young voices continue to rise and influence decisions at the local, regional, and global levels.
Asante Sana!
