S2C Ambassador, Jeffrey Shihembetsa, is set to speak at the African Union 26th Intergenerational Dialogue which on 27 January 2016 in Addis Abba, Ethiopia.
The event will create a dialogue between African Youth and leaders, particularly African Heads of States and Governments, and the leaders of continental and global Institutions. The theme of the dialogue is, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063”. The objectives of the dialogue are to create spaces for reflection, listening, and the exchange of ideas between young people, Heads of State and Government, business leaders and other policy makers and stakeholders. This will include a discussion on Agenda2063 and how to ensure the relevance and greater implementation of the African Youth Charter within countries. This platform will also encourage young people to analyse matters of local policy, guaranteeing their participation at creative decision-making processes. The primary intention of the meeting is to encourage youth participation by discussing their strategies to improve the continent.
From Nairobi, Kenya, Jeffrey, holds a postgraduate diploma in Global Social Sustainable Enterprise from the Colorado University and also a BSc degree in Disaster Management in International Diplomacy from the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. He is currently a board member of the Kenya YMCA and an S2C ambassador.
Jeffrey believes that “Youth should take concrete action in their steps to lead Africa to its renaissance”. This puts emphasis on the theme of the problem and also brings reference of the Subject2Citizen Change Model which ensures full participations of youth in areas of gender, economy, social development, and politics.
He feels excited for the opportunity to be part of the dialogue and feels that “an Africa that utilises the innovative abilities of youth will be a great one”. He adds that, “Demographic transition in Africa is nascent. Harnessing its benefits depends heavily on policies adopted by leaders”. Which means that African leaders should make better policies which will include every generation in order to ensure a better future for all.
The AAYMCA wishes Jeffrey Shihembetsa well and hopes that he brings with him fruitful insight and that he gains knowledge on how we can all improve our continent.
For more information see Twitter: #AUIGD2016
By Khwezi Hlombe, Communications Intern, AAYMCA
source: www.africaymca.org
