Under the slogan “Education and sustainable development: an agenda for the Africa we want”, the city of Agadir hosted the 3rd edition of the International African Youth Forum from June 6 to 8, 2024. Organized by the “Maison d’Afrique” association, the event brought together government officials, parliamentarians, elected representatives and civil society players from over 20 countries. Among the elected representatives was the dynamic Lord Mayor of the Dschang Council, Jacquis Gabriel Kemleu.
The aim of the forum was to highlight the crucial role of education in sustainable development. Education is considered one of the fundamental elements of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030. This edition also contributed to the implementation of the African Union’s slogan, which proclaimed 2024 as the Year of Education in Africa at the 37th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
The forum program included conferences, round tables, workshops and testimonials. Topics covered included education for citizenship and peace, the role of sport in sustainable development, and the role of cities and civil society in education.
African personalities shared their experiences and efforts in the field of education. The standard-bearer of the mandate of challenges highlighted important projects and initiatives in his city, such as the Education II Project, which aims to strengthen our education system and offer learning opportunities to all our young people; the Smart City vision, where the Municipal Youth Council, through dedicated sessions, actively participates in local governance; the formal and informal training courses that contribute to the development of skills and the fulfillment of citizens; the efforts to raise awareness of sanitation, essential for preserving the environment and promoting sustainable practices; the importance of citizen debate in the elaboration of the communal vision and the planning of annual investments. He also strongly emphasized the crucial role of the UDs Medical and Social Center, the Museum of Civilization, the Center for the Women Empowerment, and all the volunteers who, through their commitment, contribute to the dynamism and wealth of the community. Particular emphasis was placed on the seed field project and the construction of the Multi-functional Youth Center, which he described as concrete examples of Dschang’s commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment.
At the close of this important forum dedicated to African youth, Lord Mayor Jacquis Gabriel Kemleu warmly thanked the forum organizers and the host country for their hospitality and collaboration.
