As Africa continues navigating complex social, economic, environmental, and governance challenges, young people are increasingly emerging as powerful drivers of diplomacy, innovation, policy transformation, and regional cooperation. Across the continent, youth-led movements and platforms are helping shape conversations around peace, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, governance, and African-led solutions capable of responding to the continent’s evolving realities. Recognizing the importance of investing in youth leadership and continental dialogue, the Sixth Extraordinary Session of the African Youth Leadership Diplomatic Conference (AYLDC 2026) convened young leaders, policymakers, institutions, development partners, and civil society actors from across Africa and beyond. Held from 25–29 March 2026 at the historic Africa Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the conference served as a dynamic platform for advancing youth diplomacy, leadership, regional cooperation, and policy engagement under the theme: “From Policy to Action: Accelerating African-led solutions for regional peace and stability.” 

Promoting African-led solutions through youth leadership and diplomacy

By communication team

The conference brought together approximately 250 delegates representing a diverse range of countries including Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Somaliland, Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, Lesotho, Comoros, Guinea, South Sudan, Tanzania, Niger, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Namibia, Canada, and several other participating countries from across Africa and beyond.

The engagement was jointly organized through collaboration between Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association (EYDPA), Intercontinental Youth Connect (IYC), Global Impact Transformation (GIT), and several continental and international partners including UNICEF, Plan International, DSW, Reporters Sans Frontières, Afro Arab Youth Council, and other youth-serving institutions and networks represented during the forum. The official opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD), Minister of Women and Social Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, who served as Guest of Honor. During her remarks, the Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening youth empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and green economy initiatives as critical drivers for Africa’s future transformation and prosperity.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in high-level policy dialogue, diplomatic simulations, negotiation exercises, leadership engagement, and collaborative solution-oriented discussions aligned with Agenda 2063, Youth, Peace and Security priorities, and broader African Union development frameworks. The forum created an important space for strengthening youth participation in diplomacy, governance, innovation, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and regional integration.

One of the central highlights of the conference was the Model United Nations-style diplomatic simulation, where delegates representing different African countries participated in committee debates, policy negotiations, position paper presentations, and collaborative resolution drafting processes. The thematic committees focused on:
•    Trade governance and regional economic integration 
•    Climate-resilient infrastructure and peace and  development 
•    Human capital development and youth empowerment 

These sessions strengthened participants’ practical understanding of diplomacy, governance systems, policy formulation, negotiation processes, and regional cooperation while encouraging critical thinking and African-led policy innovation among emerging young leaders. As one of the organizing partners, Global Impact Transformation  actively contributed to the conference through participation in policy discussions, diplomatic simulation exercises, and youth leadership engagement focused on governance, regional cooperation, trade, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

Among the key contributions was the participation of Global Impact Transformation  Country Lead, Ms. Sylvia Mohamed Mkomwa, during the simulation presentation on: “Strengthening Trade Governance and Policy Harmonization to Support Regional Economic Integration.”
During her presentation, Ms. Mkomwa highlighted the interconnected relationship between peace, regional integration, economic inclusion, and sustainable development across Africa. She emphasized the importance of strengthening African-led systems, strategic partnerships, innovation ecosystems, and inclusive policy frameworks capable of advancing long-term continental prosperity.

Reflecting on the role of youth in shaping Africa’s future, Ms. Mkomwa stated:
“Sustainable peace, regional integration, and economic transformation in Africa cannot be achieved without meaningful youth leadership and inclusive policy engagement. African youth must be positioned not at the margins of decision-making, but at the center of shaping innovative, African-led solutions that advance prosperity, stability, and long-term continental resilience.”
 
The conference further generated several policy-oriented recommendations focused on strengthening regional integration, sustainable infrastructure, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare systems, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development across Africa. The committee resolutions and collaborative discussions demonstrated the growing capacity of African youth to contribute practical, solution-oriented recommendations addressing key continental priorities. Beyond the formal sessions, the engagement reinforced the importance of strengthening collaboration between governments, youth-led organizations, civil society actors, development partners, and continental institutions in advancing inclusive development, sustainable peace, leadership, and innovation across Africa.

Participation as one of the organizing partners of the African Youth Leadership Diplomatic Conference reaffirmed Global Impact Transformation’s commitment to strengthening youth leadership, diplomacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, policy engagement, and community transformation through strategic partnerships and youth-centered platforms that amplify African youth voices across the continent.

Partnership and Collaboration

Global Impact Transformation welcomes partnerships and collaboration opportunities with youth-serving organizations, development partners, academic institutions, private sector actors, government stakeholders, and continental networks committed to advancing youth leadership, diplomacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across Africa.

Together, we can strengthen African-led solutions, expand opportunities for young leaders, and accelerate inclusive pathways toward regional peace, resilience, and sustainable transformation.

For partnerships, collaboration, or engagement opportunities:  info@globalimpacttransformation.org

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