PAP holds Youth Dialogue on ending malnutrition and hunger in Africa

Young parliamentarians in Africa have been challenged to take the lead in the formulation of policies and strategies that enhance the full participation of the African youth in political and decision-making processes.

President of the Pan-African Parliament, H. E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira made the call during the official opening of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Youth Dialogue, hosted by the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco, under the theme: “The promotion of good governance through the elimination of hunger and malnutrition: Enhancing the role of young parliamentarians and the youth in Africa’s Legislature.” The Dialogue which began on 04 December will end on 06 December 2022 in line with the African Union (AU) theme of 2022.

In his address, H. E. Hon. Chief Charumbira tasked the Continental Parliament’s Caucus on Youth to champion issues of climate change, education and youth employment on behalf of the African youth in line with the PAP’s mandate. H. E Hon. Charumbira further challenged the gathering to come up with concrete roadmap to implement the key resolutions that will emanate from this Dialogue

H. E Hon. Charumbira recalled previous similar youth engagements organized by the Continental Parliament as he sought to ignite a reflection on the need to monitor and evaluate these past gatherings in a bid to ensure that the Rabat Dialogue adopts a result-based approach, which guarantees impact on the ground.

Welcoming participants, H.E. Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Morocco told young Parliamentarians and the African youth representatives gathered in Rabat that food insecurity is one of the most pressing issues facing the continent. According to him, young people are the key to achieving the African renaissance and the development of the continent. He added that it is time for Africa to take advantage of its wealth including the democratic dividend presented by the youth.

H. E. Naama Mayara, Speaker of the House of Councilors of Morocco was adamant that the 4th industrial revolution is an opportunity to take advantage of the talent of our youth. He said that a lot of ground was lost due to Covid-19 and it’s time to strengthen actions on food security, with the youth at the forefront, to enable Africa to move forward with its agenda.

H. E. Mohamed Almahdi Ben Saeed, Minister of Youth and Culture of the Kingdom of Morocco said that the Kingdom has put mechanisms in place to harness youth potential in finding solutions to several challenges. The Kingdom, he stressed, stands ready to accompany the efforts of the African Union to empower Young Africans to achieve Continental development.

Hon. Laila Dahi – Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Caucus on Youth accepted the challenge for young Parliamentarians to lead efforts to coordinate youth-related issues and promote policy implementation to make youth development and mainstreaming a reality.

The first day of the PAP Youth Dialogue in Morocco included a Panel presentation and discussion on the role of parliaments in youth empowerment; African Union Methods for Youth Empowerments and Inclusion with a focus on AU Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion Initiative and AU 1 million next level; and an engagement on empowering the youth through existing Legal and Continental commitments pledged by Members states.

The second session of the Youth Dialogue focused on how the youth can use Agenda 2063 to eradicate hunger and malnutrition.

Mr. Shumba Tichawona, Ag. Director at African Union Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery in his presentation, outlined achievements and lessons from the first Ten - Year action and plan and what is expected from the second Ten- Year Implementation of Agenda 2063- especially in relation to the AU theme of the year 2022: ”Strengthening Resilience Food Security and Nutrition on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health, and Social Protection Systems for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Economic Capital Development.”

Hon. Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, 1st Vice- Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Caucus Youth Caucus moderated the session and led the charge by young Pan-African Parliamentarians for an inquiry on the tangible gains registered since the implementation phase of Agenda 2063 commenced a few years ago. Members of the PAP have demanded more information on the key highlights, achievements and place occupied by the youth within the framework of the Agenda. This will enable legislators to convey information at national levels.

Source: Media and Communication Unit, Pan African Parliament