Accra, March 17, GNA – The African Youth for Sustainable Development (AYSD) successfully hosted an online Youth Summit at the weekend, bringing together over 100 young people from across the African continent.
A statement issued by the AYSD Communication Team, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the summit provided a platform for young people to engage with leaders and experts in various fields, share experiences, and explore innovative solutions to drive sustainable development in Africa.
It said the summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Professor Awudu Abass, Executive Director of the GiveBack Foundation; Mr Ibrahima Ziblim, Executive Director of Tomorrow Africa Alliance; Madam Rahama Abu, President of Inspire Sisters Foundation; Mr Ibrahim Abdul Mugis, President of Awqaf Africa and Madam Nightingale Afriyie, a renowned youth activist.
In his opening remarks, Mr Samuel Apeti, President of AYSD, emphasized the importance of empowering young people to drive sustainable development in Africa, urging the participants to take an active role in shaping the continent’s future.
Mr Kamaldeen Ibn Chambas, Vice Chair of AYSD, in his speech, highlighted the need for collective action and collaboration among young people to address the continent’s pressing challenges.
Prof Awudu Abass, Executive Director of the GiveBack Foundation, explored how the African youth could leverage innovation to solve Africa’s developmental challenges.
“Africa has the power to solve its own problems. By working together and taking charge and coming up with creative solutions, we can create a brighter future,” he said.
Mr Ibrahima Ziblim, Executive Director of Tomorrow Africa Alliance, touched on the role of the youth in shaping national and continental policies to affect change.
“You cannot effect change if you do not have the desire and power to do so,” he said.
Madam Rahama Abu, President of Inspire Sisters Foundation, emphasized the importance of empowering young women to contribute to sustainable development.
“As young women, we have the power to shape our own destinies and create positive change in our communities,” she said.
She indicated that it was imperative to support women’s initiatives, advocate for their rights, and recognize their contributions to development.
Mr Ibrahim Abdul Mugis, President of Awqaf Africa, enumerated strategies the youth could adopt in ensuring sustainable development.
“Sustainable development is not about saving the environment. It is about saving the future,” he said.
Madam Nightingale Afriyie, a renowned youth activist, spoke about the need for young people to take action in the area of entrepreneurship in community development and Africa’s growth.
“We can’t just sit back and wait for change to happen – we need to take action and demand that our leaders do better,” she said.
“We are thrilled with the success of this online youth summit,” said Mr Apeti in his closing remarks.
“It demonstrates the power of technology in bridging geographical gaps and facilitating meaningful connections among young people across Africa.”
The African Youth for Sustainable Development (AYSD) is a youth-led organization committed to promoting sustainable development, empowerment, and leadership among young people in Africa.
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