The former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and current Board Chair of AGRA, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, has called on African nations to leverage their youthful populations for peacebuilding and comprehensive development.
Speaking at the opening of ‘The African Youth Leadership Diplomatic Conference’ in Addis Ababa on February 23, 2025 at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, His Excellency Hailemariam emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to unlock Africa’s potential.
“Without peace, Africa’s immense natural and human capital cannot be fully harnessed to drive economic growth, innovation, and prosperity. Peacebuilding is, therefore, not just a necessity but a prerequisite for unlocking the continent’s full potential,” H.E. Hailemariam stated, acknowledging the significant role of the African youth in the peacebuilding process.
“Africa recognizes your contributions in the peacebuilding process. You’ve shown us that you’re able to play active roles as peacemakers, mediators, and peacebuilders. There are many examples where your engagement in the peacebuilding process has yielded substantial gains…. I am confident that you can guide Africa towards ‘The Africa We Want’, a united, prosperous, and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens and resources,” His Excellency highlighted.
This sentiment was echoed by other speakers. H.E. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, urged young people to harness their potential to build a better Africa. Minister Kejela Merdasa, the Prime Minister’s advisor on youth and sports, emphasized the crucial role of youth in achieving Agenda 2063. Renowned Pan-Africanist Professor Patrice Lumumba also underscored the importance of African youth in shaping the continent’s future.
The conference participants also stressed the vital role of youth in achieving Africa’s ambitious goals, including Agenda 2063. Chala Assefa, Director of the Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association, highlighted Africa’s resilience and wealth, emphasizing the crucial role of young leaders in transforming the continent.
The conference, organized under the theme “A Pact for the New Spirit of Pan-Africanism through Glocalization, Innovation-Led-Economic Integration, and Peacebuilding” by the Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association in collaboration with the Continental Youth Alliance, will conclude tomorrow, February 25, 2025.
