Africa-Press – Eswatini. The European Union has opened applications for Emaswati youth to join the second cohort of its Youth Sounding Board (YSB), an initiative designed to connect, empower, and actively involve young people in development cooperation efforts in Eswatini.
The open call targets young people aged 18 to 35 from across the country, with 15 youth set to be selected. Applications are available online through the EU in Eswatini social media platforms, and the deadline for submission is 14 April 2026.
The YSB creates a platform for meaningful youth participation in the EU’s partnership with Eswatini. It promotes engagement and dialogue between young people, decision-makers, the EU Delegation, and EU Member States on issues that affect youth development.
EU Chargé d’Affaires, José Becerra Marta, said the initiative forms part of the EU Youth Action Plan and aligns with the EU’s priority on Human Development, which focuses on social inclusion, skills development, and youth empowerment.
“Our experience with the first cohort of the YSB has been impactful. We invite young people across the country to apply for this empowering opportunity. The future of Eswatini depends largely on creating opportunities for youth in employment, education, health, and access to decision-making processes,” he said.
He added that the YSB advises the EU Delegation to Eswatini on youth participation and empowerment across a wide range of areas, including employment, education, entrepreneurship, climate change, human rights, and social inclusion.
The Board is deliberately inclusive and diverse, bringing together youth from different genders, backgrounds, regions, abilities, and life experiences across the country’s four geopolitical regions.
The outgoing cohort, whose term ends on 30 April after three years of service, leaves behind a strong legacy. During their tenure, they hosted impactful events such as the Khululeka Mental Health Seminar, the Green Round Table, an Erasmus+ Youth Capacity information session, and a Youth Empowerment Fund opportunities session. They also worked closely with the Eswatini National Youth Council during commemorations of World Youth Skills Day and International Youth Day.
YSB Chairperson, Busiswa Dlamini, urged young people not to miss what she described as a life-changing opportunity.
“Being part of the YSB capacitated and empowered me as a young person. It allows you to be hands-on in key development issues. Although it is voluntary, the exposure and professional growth are immense,” she said, adding that she had opportunities to travel, including to Belgium, to engage with youth on global development matters.
Selection into the YSB will be based on youth participation experience, outreach capability, communication skills, creativity, motivation, and the value candidates bring to board diversity.
To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the end of the application period, be available to dedicate at least 25 days per year on a voluntary basis, and have a good command of English. No specific experience is required.
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