Africa-Press – Uganda. The Afro-Arab Youth Conference concluded on Friday, October 10, 2025, in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, after four days of activities and discussions that began on October 7. The event brought together over 250 young men and women from Arab and African countries, alongside hundreds of Ugandan youths, representatives from youth ministries, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and development partners.
Conference Activities: Youth Voice for Peace and Unity
Held under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Prosperity”, the conference was sponsored by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in collaboration with the Ministry of State for Youth and Children Affairs. The program featured a series of dialogue sessions and workshops addressing sustainable development, regional security, economic empowerment, education, and youth political participation.
Prominent figures attended the conference, including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the representative of the Secretary-General of the Arab League, as well as youth ministers, regional and international organizations, members of the Pan-African Parliament, and youth leaders from various countries.
Key Highlights of the Conference
– Opening Ceremony: Featured speeches by the Ugandan President and official guests.
– Plenary Sessions: Focused on peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, education, and digital transformation.
– Interactive Workshops: Led by youth changemakers.
– Fundraising Campaign: Launched to build the council’s permanent headquarters and facilities, with donor engagement.
– General Council Session: Discussed governance renewal and strategic directions.
– Cultural Night: Showcased Arab and African heritage through art, music, and cuisine.
– Closing Ceremony: Included final remarks from the Ugandan President and guests.
Specialized exhibitions highlighted shared cultural values and showcased successful youth-led initiatives. Networking sessions provided valuable opportunities for partnership building and knowledge exchange. A representative of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria is expected to participate in Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations on October 9, wearing traditional attire.
Political Presence and Diplomatic Tensions
A notable moment occurred when the Moroccan delegation sat alongside the delegation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, despite Morocco’s attempts to block their participation. This incident reflected diplomatic tensions within the conference and signalled a decline in Morocco’s influence in certain African and Arab circles, according to diplomatic sources.
This year’s conference took place amid a tense regional climate, with escalating security and economic challenges in North Africa and the Sahel, adding weight to its outcomes.
Libyan Participation and Messages from the Autonomous Administration
Libya was represented by an official youth delegation from the Ministry of Youth under the Government of National Unity. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria also attended upon official invitation from the Ugandan government, raising questions about the recognized representation of Syria’s interim government.
Recommendations and Closing Remarks
At the conclusion of the conference, participants issued key recommendations:
– Strengthen Arab-African cooperation in education and employment
– Involve youth in political decision-making
– Establish digital platforms for youth organization networking
– Support youth-led environmental and development initiatives
The conference reaffirmed that youth are not only the future of both continents but active agents in the present, and that shared challenges require unified visions and strong youth alliances.
About the Arab-African Youth Council (AAYC)
The Arab-African Youth Council (AAYC) is an international youth organization founded on March 9, 2004, in Khartoum, Sudan, during a youth summit attended by over 3,000 young participants from Arab and African countries. The council includes national and regional youth organizations active in youth work, operating under the motto: “Youth, Peace, Unity, and Development.”
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