The Somali National Youth Conference – 26th and 27 th December 2018
One of the WUYCN members Somali National youth council organized The Somali National Youth Conference that took place on 26th and 27 th December 2018 at SAHAL Terminal in Mogadishu where over 200 youth delegates from all walks of life, including representation from regions, youth-led organizations, young entrepreneurs and the general public attended. The Conference was also attended by representatives from civil society organizations, Somali senior government officials including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth and Sports, Advisors of Minister of Youth, senior officials of the National Youth Council of Somalia, the media, (Youth from Federal Member States, Benadir Regional Youth leaders, Youth Committees from Somaliland, Youth Groups with Special Needs (Disabled), Minority Youth Communities and other nongovernment networks in Benadir region) as well as private sector also participated in the conference.
The aim of the conference was to bring together young people from a wide range of backgrounds to discuss their aspirations, challenges and recommendations on topics such as youth political participation, youth and peace and overcoming current challenges of youth. The Conference further aimed at ensuring that the ‘Voice of the Somali Youth’ is heard and addressed the challenges youth face when it comes to taking part in politics and come with policies that will facilitate active participation of youth in politics. The entire thematic agenda of the national youth conference was to promote youth in political participation.