The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called on African youths to take the lead in driving the continent’s development.
Mr Mendy Albert, UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, 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 realising innovation, inclusive industrialisation, and infrastructural growth as envisioned in the SDGs.
“Youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the change-makers of today. Their efforts in innovation, peacebuilding, education, and entrepreneurship must be harnessed for Africa’s development,” he said.
He noted the multiple challenges facing young people in Africa; ranging from unemployment and insecurity to inequality, climate change, and limited democratic participation.
“Yet, we gather here today in hope because young people remain the greatest asset of this continent. Africa’s future will not be shaped by policy alone, but by the bold ideas and actions led by its youth,” he said.
Albert said UNESCO believes strongly in the transformative power of youth through programmes that promote peaceful and inclusive societies, reduce inequalities, and build resilient communities under SDGs 16, 10, and 11 respectively.
“We actively support youth-led innovation to build inclusive societies by addressing root causes of exclusion, including historical injustices, legal barriers, and limited access to opportunities,” he added.
He noted that UNESCO has invested in evidence-based research, promoted intercultural dialogue through its Story Circles methodology, and empowered young people to stand against discrimination through the Master Class Series Against Racism.
“In today’s digital information landscape, we recognise the urgency of countering misinformation and disinformation.
“That is why we are equipping young people with media and information literacy skills to critically evaluate, access, use, and contribute to media content wisely,” Albert said.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the General History of Africa, Campus Africa, and Harnessing Emerging Technologies, which aim to uplift youth voices and enhance historical consciousness.
“These are not just projects but platforms for reclaiming identity, promoting peace, and crafting a new narrative of African excellence, aligned with the Youth 2030 Strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.
Albert reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to ensuring that young people have the rights, resources, recognition, and space to shape policies and solutions.
He added that the organisation would continue advocating for education, providing technical support, and building capacity for climate action across the continent.
“UNESCO is committed to building ecosystems where African youth, the continent’s most valuable resource can thrive,” he said.