The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called on African youths to take the lead in driving the continent’s development.
UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Mendy Albert, made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the fourth African Youth Conference in Abuja
The conference, themed “We are Stars: Thriving in a World of Limitless Opportunities”, is being attended by youth groups from across the continent.
Albert emphasised that the energy, resilience, and creativity of young people are critical to realizing innovation, inclusive industrialization, and infrastructural growth.
Albert stressed that youths were not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the change-makers of today, and their efforts in innovation, peacebuilding, education, and entrepreneurship must be harnessed for Africa’s development.
He noted the multiple challenges facing young people in Africa, including unemployment, insecurity, inequality, climate change, and limited democratic participation.
Albert reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to ensuring that young people have the rights, resources, recognition, and space to shape policies and solutions.
