2nd African Youth SDGs Summit unveils patrons

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The secretariat of the African Youth SDGs Summit on Monday announced the appointment of eight distinguished Africans as patrons of the 2nd edition of the Summit scheduled for November 6th to 9th, 2018 in Accra, Ghana.

The 2018 African Youth SDGs Summit which plans to be the biggest gathering of African youths working towards the successful realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa is themed: “Partnership with Youth to Achieve the SDGs: Moving from Policy to Practice.”

Among others, the Summit patrons are Namhla Mniki-Mangaliso, Director of African Monitor from South Africa; Titilayo Fafoumi, a Mandela Washington Fellow from the Republic of Benin; Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP, Chair of Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs; as well as Liliane Kambirigi-Sebatigita, a retired communication and media relations advisor at the UN.

Others are Lawalley Cole, Executive Director, Coalition on Media and Education for Development Africa Forum (CAFOR) from Ethiopia; Edith Esinam Asamani, Chairperson, African Youth and Adolescents Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN) in Ghana; Elone Natumanya Ainebyoona, Coordinator, Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs (UPFYA) as well as  Mohamed Said Saadi, a development  economist from Morocco.

Speaking about the role of the patrons, the Summit convener, Emmanuel Ametepey said it was important to, “Bring in such an array of experiences and individuals who believe in and support youth actions towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and Agenda 2063 and to inspire the Summit’s attendees to do more towards transforming our continent.’’

The Summit, which debuted in 2017 with the mission to serve as a platform for dialogue on youth inclusion and participation in the implementation of the SDGs in Africa will be co-hosted by the 2030 Youth Alliance as well as UNFPA and UNDP (under the auspices of Ghana’s Ministry of Planning).  Others are UN SDG Action Campaign and Office of the Ghanaian President cum Co-Chair of UN Secretary General`s Eminent Group of Advocates on the SDGs, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo.

The summit will attract about 1,000 participants from across Africa and beyond and will address SDGs themes such as Health, Education, Gender Equality, Water & Sanitation, Employment as well as Partnership  for the Goals.