Africa stands at a critical crossroads. After early debt relief in the 2000s, many African states are once again grappling with rising debt levels, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, global conflicts, inflation, and the escalating climate crisis. This resurgence of debt has far-reaching consequences—not only for governments but also for Africa’s youth, who make up more than 60% of the population.
Meaningful Youth Engagement in Policy and Decision-making Processes
The present policy brief is one such input. It elaborates on the ideas first proposed in Our Common Agenda, taking into account subsequent guidance from Member States and over one year of intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder consultations, and rooted in the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments.