Oran, Algeria – The Pan-African Youth Forum 2024, held in Oran, Algeria from November 1-4, brought together passionate youth leaders from across the continent for insightful discussions. The event, hosted by the Africa Union and Higher Council for Youth of Algeria, emphasized collaboration and innovation in addressing Africa’s challenges, with engaging panel discussions and vibrant participation from diverse sectors.
“Investing in youth health and well-being is not just an obligation but a strategic imperative for Africa’s future. By empowering our youth with the knowledge of their sexual and reproductive health rights, we are building a resilient foundation for Agenda 2063,” Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Director of the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Division.
The city of Oran came alive with the vibrancy of youth voices as the Pan-African Youth Forum 2024 convened to celebrate African Youth Day. The forum, brought together over youth leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa. A highlight of the event was the side session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), under the theme “Empowering Youth: Amplifying Awareness of Their Continental Rights to Sexual and Reproductive Health,” emphasizing the role of youth as agents of change for a healthier and equitable Africa.
A Call to Action: Youth Health at the Center
The SRHR side session underscored the urgency of addressing barriers faced by African youth in accessing health services. It highlighted the alarming rates of adolescent pregnancies, gender-based violence, and limited access to contraceptives. In alignment with the African Union’s CARMMA Plus initiative, the session aimed to foster a youth-led movement advocating for health equity and reproductive rights.
Panel discussions brought forward diverse perspectives from youth leaders and health experts, while capacity-building sessions equipped participants with advocacy tools. The event saw the formation of the CARMMA Plus Youth Advocates Network, a continental community dedicated to advancing SRHR initiatives.
Key Outcomes and Recommendations
Youth leaders consolidated policy recommendations to address critical gaps in SRHR, including:
- Universal access to youth-friendly health services.
- Integrating comprehensive sexuality education into formal curricula.
- Eliminating harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.
- Leveraging digital platforms to increase awareness and accessibility of SRHR services.
These recommendations will be presented at the AU Heads of State Summit in January 2025, ensuring the youth voice is integral to shaping Africa’s health agenda.
A Broader Vision for Youth Empowerment
The forum also adopted the Oran Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of African youth to education, employment, and environmental sustainability. Youth leaders called for a decade-long emphasis on education, underscoring its pivotal role in transforming the continent. The declaration will serve as a guiding document for national policies and programs aimed at youth development.
Looking Ahead: Building a Resilient Future
The Pan-African Youth Forum 2024 set a transformative precedent, proving that young Africans are not just beneficiaries but architects of change. The integration of SRHR advocacy into the broader agenda of the forum highlights the intersectionality of youth empowerment, health, and sustainable development.
As the African Union continues to champion initiatives like 1 Million Next Level and CARMMA Plus, the resounding message from Oran is clear: Africa’s youth are ready to lead the charge toward a healthier, more inclusive, and prosperous future.
“The future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth. Together, we will transform the health landscape of our continent, ensuring no one is left behind,” Ms. Alleluia Delphine, CARMMA Plus Senior Programme Officer.
The forum in Oran will remain a beacon of hope and a blueprint for youth-driven solutions in achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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For further information, please contact:
Mr. Derrick Ochuot | Strategic Communication Expert | Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Health Systems, Diseases and Nutrition Division | African Union Commission | E-mail: ochuotd@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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