HARARE-In a historic development for Zimbabwe’s young people, a delegation of five members of International Youth Connect (Zimbabwe) leave Harare this weekend for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the fifth edition of The African Youth Leadership Diplomatic Conference (AYLDC5), set to take place from 23 to 25 February.
They will be led by International Youth Connect Corporate Affairs Secretary Daniel Zinyama, who is also chairperson of the meeting. The event marks a landmark collaboration between Intercontinental Youth Connect (IYC) of Zimbabwe and the Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association (EYDPA).
This premier diplomatic event will serve as the platform to launch and refine the Youth Agenda 2055: The Future We Want, a pioneering Africa-Japan Youth Policy proposal designed to unlock opportunities for youth across various sectors.
The diplomatic forum will see young leaders, policymakers and stakeholders engaged in council discussions, analyzing and enhancing the Africa-Japan Youth Policy Proposal. The goal is to finalize and adopt a transformative policy framework that addresses key areas affecting African youth, including:
“This initiative is strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the broader objectives of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD),” Zinyama said on the eve of their departure.
“It represents a crucial step toward ensuring that youth voices shape policies that drive sustainable development across Africa and its international partnerships.”
He said the conference was inviting youth delegates from across Africa to submit position papers, providing in-depth analysis and recommendations on the Youth Agenda 2055 before its official launch “to ensure a comprehensive, youth-driven policy”.
Zinyama said the conference would also serve as a platform to draft resolutions that will contribute to the final version of the policy, unlocking new opportunities for young people in diverse sectors.
“As a leading youth organization, Intercontinental Youth Connect (IYC) is at the forefront of this initiative.” IYC also runs various programs, including:
* Intercontinental Diplomatic Connect – a global youth leadership and diplomacy platform.
* The African Youth Leadership Diplomatic Conference (AYLDC) – a program empowering young leaders through policy discussions.
* Southern African Youth Development Council – a platform fostering youth-driven industrialization and economic growth.
* Intercontinental Youth Connect Summit – a specialized initiative focused on green entrepreneurship, equipping young innovators with the tools and networks to drive sustainable business solutions.
Said Zinyama: “AYLDC5 stands out as a critical milestone, setting the stage for a groundbreaking policy framework that will shape Africa-Japan relations for decades to come.
“This historic youth-led initiative calls on young leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to join in shaping a future that prioritizes youth empowerment, economic stability, and sustainable development. Together, we are building the Africa and the world we want!”
For more details, contact:
Intercontinental Youth Connect (IYC)
Email: alymun@iyouconnect.org / intercontinentalyouthconnect@gmail.com
Phone: +263 775 174 743 / +263783012541
