The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with the Horn of Africa Youth Network (HoAYN) and Save the Children, is set to convene a significant Ministerial Meeting aimed at finalizing the adoption of the IGAD Youth Policy.

Scheduled for September 27 in Nairobi, Kenya, the Ministerial Meeting follows a two-day gathering of Technical Experts that commenced on Sunday.

The development of the IGAD Youth Policy involved extensive consultations with Technical Experts responsible for Youth Affairs from member states, National Youth Councils, Youth-Led Organizations, and the IGAD Secretariat.

Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, emphasized the role of the younger generation in driving societal transformation.

 “The young generation serves as a dynamic catalyst for societal transformation. It is incumbent upon us, as a region, to empower them, cultivating their capacities and fostering an environment that enables them to fully realise their potential,” Gebeyehu said.

He further highlighted the significant role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the need to harness their energy, innovation, and visions for a more equitable future.

On his part, David Momanyi, Executive Director of the Horn of Africa Youth Network, stressed the importance of reviewing and harmonizing existing policy documents to develop a comprehensive youth policy that addresses youth concerns in a holistic manner within the Horn of Africa region.

Agnes Airo, the Regional Youth Advisor for Save the Children’s East and Southern Africa Regional Office said that collective effort by different actors and stakeholders is key in planning for and holistically addressing the needs of the young people to thrive.

“Commitment by governments to revise and implement national policies will reduce these vulnerabilities for better development and stability,” she said.

The Ministerial Meeting will bring together Ministers responsible for Youth Affairs from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, as well as Technical Youth Experts from IGAD member states.

 The gathering will also include participation from National Youth Councils, Youth-Led Civil Society Organizations, and Development Partners from the aforementioned countries.