High-level welcome for Chido Mpemba in Algeria ahead of her last youth day as AU Youth Envoy

Oran,Algeria-Chido Mpemba the African Union Youth Envoy, has received a high-level welcome in Algeria ahead of Africa Youth Day, which is celebrated on November 1. This visit is particularly significant as it marks her last Africa Youth Day as Youth Envoy.

Mpemba was welcomed by the Governor of Oran and other senior government officials, highlighting the importance of her trip. Algeria is set to host the Pan African Youth Forum, one of the largest gatherings of youth from across the continent, showcasing Algeria’s commitment to youth empowerment and development.

“I would like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received from the government and the people of Algeria.

“As this is my last attendance at a Youth day in my capacity as the Special Envoy for the youth of our continent I take pride in what we have achieved in the last three years of my tenure,”explained Mpemba.

During her tenure, Mpemba has achieved several milestones, including institutionalizing the Office of the Youth Envoy, member state decision on reviewing the African Youth Charter since adoption in 2006, and creating a Review and Monitoring Mechanism for the Youth Charter. She has also mobilized partnerships for youth employment, amplified youth voices in AU decision-making, and equipped youth through the Make Africa Digital Campaign.

In a heartfelt letter she penned down ahead of the special day of the youth,Mpemba reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude and pride in the collaborative strides taken towards empowering African youth. Her initiatives have strengthened the platform for youth voices in AU policies, ensuring a lasting legacy.

Some of her notable achievements include:
• Institutionalizing the Office of the Youth Envoy: “We secured an AU Executive Council decision to make this office a sustainable platform, ensuring continuity for youth representation in the African Union.”

• Reviewing the African Youth Charter: “We achieved a decision to update the Youth Charter, aligning it with the evolving needs and realities of African youth since its inception in 2006.”

• Creating a Review and Monitoring Mechanism for the Youth Charter: This new system promotes accountability and helps identify areas of improvement, enabling a more effective implementation of the Charter.

• Advancing Youth Charter Ratification: With dedicated advocacy, one additional country ratified the Charter, with more in the pipeline, moving us closer to a united continental commitment.

• Mobilizing Partnerships for Youth Employment: Through partnerships like the one between the African Union and the African Leadership Academy, we are creating opportunities for young Africans to gain experience in public policy, strengthening youth employment and leadership development.

• Amplifying Youth Voices in AU Decision-Making: Establishing bodies like the AU Youth Reference Committee, AU Panel of the Future, and the LeadHER Girls Fellowship within the office of the youth envoy has allowed young Africans to actively shape AU policies and ensure youth perspectives in our continent’s future.

• Executive Council decision to appoint the President of Burundi as AU President Champion on Youth, Peace, and Security: This championed role reinforces youth involvement in peace efforts at the highest levels of the AU.

• Equipping Youth Through the Make Africa Digital Campaign: Partnering with Google, the Office of the Youth Envoy trained over 4,000 youth across seven countries to navigate the digital economy.

• Mental Health Advocacy Through the #ICanSurvive Toolkit: With over 2000 young participants, we have made strides in destigmatizing mental health challenges and promoting resilience.

• Climate Action Leadership: By planting over 3000 trees through out the years to offset carbon footprints , Mpemba said she aimed to lead by example in climate action and inspire responsibility towards our environment for future generations.

Mpemba’s dedication to youth empowerment will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the AU and beyond, inspiring future generations.

ENDS\\\

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