1m by 2021 showcase: Over 8m African youth reached in AUC Chairperson’s Initiative

Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat has called for more partnerships to support youth development in Africa.

He made this statement ahead of the 35th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in a virtual event which showcased the results of the 1 Million by 2021 initiative.

The initiative which was launched in 2019 sought to provide direct opportunities for African youth in the areas of Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Engagement (the 4Es).

Speaking at the recent launch, the AUC Chairperson indicated that, despite the disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, joint efforts with young people in the driving seat as implementers, enthusiastic and the collaborative support of partners across the 4Es were what ensured the 1 million by 2021 initiative was a success.

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chairperson of African Union (AU), H.E Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo through a video message mentioned that the initiative has being in line with the strategic vision during his tenure at the helm of the African Union.

He explained further that such initiative contributes to promoting the development of African human capital for an emerging Africa.

H.E President Tshilombo again congratulated the Chairperson of the AUC on the resounding success of the 1 Million by 2021 Initiative while calling for strategic links between youth, Member States and partners to be strengthened.

The Deputy Chairperson of AUC, H.E. Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa also noted that the initiative has responded to fundamental questions on new approaches to solving existing problems targeted towards African realities.

“It is my hope that with this success we will all be galvanized into taking even bigger actions and be pushed towards even more fruitful collaborations as we all work towards achieving Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063,” she said.

Presenting the results of the 1 Million by 2021 initiative, the Acting Director of Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, Ms Prudence Ngwenya, explained to partners and youth at the launch
that the initiative was able to reach over 8 million young people across Africa through hard work.

She also highlighted that key lessons learnt from the initiative was that more member state should be engaged, the program should be agile and adaptive to respond to the ever-changing landscape, more institutional strengthening, sustained partner engagement and more youth engagement are also crucial to advancing the youth agenda.

Partners in attendance also congratulated to the Commission and as well indicated that the successes of the 1 Million by 2021 initiative proved that targeted investments were the key to building the Africa we want.

They further assured their commitment to support build on the gains of the initiative that would ensure no young person is left behind.

Other speakers at the high-level session included;
Dr. Muthoni Wanyeki, Regional Director for Africa, Open Society Foundations (OSF), Dr. Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer Generation Unlimited (GenU), Mrs. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Inge Baumgarten – Director, GIZ Office to the AU, H.E Mme Bineta Diop – Special Envoy, Women Peace and Security, and Ms Chido Cleopatra Mpemba – AUC Chairperson Youth Envoy.

Source : africaneditors.com