President Taye Atske-Selassie has opened the Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit with a powerful message, urging the continent's youth to honor the sacrifices of their forefathers for freedom and equality by achieving development and peace through wisdom and knowledge.
Africa fought for freedom and equality to liberate itself from colonialism, said the President. He stated that this struggle yielded results through the efforts of great African leaders and also served as a foundation for the establishment of the African Union.
He emphasized that youth should provide solutions based on knowledge and wisdom to address unemployment, climate change, and political instability.
He mentioned that young leaders are expected to generate ideas and make decisions that align with the dynamic global geopolitical landscape.
The President pointed out that what Africa needs is cooperation; adding that implementing Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed's "Medemer" (Synergy) initiative in this regard will be effective.
He also emphasized that the "Medemer" initiative is crucial for ensuring development and peace for all African countries.
He mentioned that Ethiopia has begun implementing the "Green Legacy" program to withstand the negative impacts of climate change.
He stated that Ethiopia has designed and is implementing a program called "Ye lemat Trufat" (The ‘Bounty of Basket’) to achieve food self-sufficiency, and it is registering significant results.
On her part, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, said that as the number of youth in the continent is increasing, utilizing this power for development and peace is crucial to realize a prosperous Africa.
She stated that unemployment, climate change, and political instability in the continent are hindering youth from contributing to Africa's development and growth to the desired extent.
She emphasized that young leaders have a great responsibility for the success of the African Union's Agenda 2063, which aims to achieve a united and prosperous Africa by 2063.
ENA reported that the president called on African youth leaders to work together with a united force, especially for peace, development, and economic integration.
The summit was attended by youth leaders and ministers of youth affairs from African countries, academics, community activists, influencers, and senior government officials.
The Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit is being held under the theme "Youth Potential for a Prosperous Africa" for three days, starting today.