Concept paper: the fifth African Development Forum (ADF-V) Youth and Leadership in the 21st Century

Abstract

Africa is a continent of the young, with more than 60% of the total population below the age of 25. Any serious policy tor social, political and economic development in Africa must recognize the importance of young people, especially in promoting social progress, reducing political tension and maximizing economic performance. The immediate objective of ADF-V is to fulfill the requirements of UNGA Resolution 60/2 of October 2005, by providing a platform for regional consultations and discussions on key issues affecting youth with Member States, UN agencies, civil society as well as African youth, with the view to evaluating progress towards the objectives of the WPAY, notably, the development of holistic and integrated youth development policies in member states and the enhancement of synergies among stakeholders including UN system agencies for youth development in Africa. The ultimate objective of ADF-V is to deepen strategies at the regional and national levels for translating the potential of youth as a development asset into practical benefits for Africa's democratic, gender-equal, peaceful and rights-based development, in line with the objectives of the proposed African Union Youth Charter, NEPAD and internationally agreed development goals including MDGs.