YouthGovTrackang’s Post

Reflecting on participation by our Executive President Mr Friday Wisdom Chamfya in The 2023 SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEES Virtual Public Hearings Session, Energized by the theme of amplifying citizens' voices in regional integration in Southern Africa. The session underscored the importance of bridging the engagement gap by bringing Parliament closer to the people. My Key takeaways from the session include the recognition that active citizen participation is essential for effective regional integration. Furthermore, the importance of youth engagement and empowerment in the decision-making process was highlighted as a crucial element for sustainable development in the region. As a youth leader of Aim-Higher Youth Cooperative - Zambia , an organization dedicated to advocacy for leadership and skills development, He notes to see immense potential in applying these insights at the local level. By actively involving young people in discussions on regional integration and policymaking, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives considered in shaping the future of our nation. Moving forward, we must leverage this information by advocating for increased youth representation in parliamentary processes and fostering partnerships with local authorities to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement. Let's seize this opportunity to drive positive change and work towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy in Zambia and across the Southern African region. We can continue to raise awareness and mobilize support for our cause. ✍️ Friday Wisdom Chamfya | Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF_SADC) cc Hon Mkisi Silomba The Youth Cafe | African Union ECOSOCC | African Union | Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts | National Youth Development Council - Zambia #Parliament4People, #Zambia #People4Parliament, #SouthAfrica #AmplifyingCitizenVoices, #AfricanUnion #SADCYOUTH #AimHigherYouth #SADCPF #SADCPFPublicHearings #sadcpublichearing2023

Reflecting on my participation in The 2023 SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEES Virtual Public Hearings Session, Energized by the theme of amplifying citizens' voices in regional integration in Southern Africa. The session underscored the importance of bridging the engagement gap by bringing Parliament closer to the people. My Key takeaways from the session include the recognition that active citizen participation is essential for effective regional integration. Furthermore, the importance of youth engagement and empowerment in the decision-making process was highlighted as a crucial element for sustainable development in the region. As a youth leader of Aim-Higher Youth Cooperative - Zambia , an organization dedicated to advocacy for leadership and skills development, I see immense potential in applying these insights at the local level. By actively involving young people in discussions on regional integration and policymaking, we can ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives considered in shaping the future of our nation. Moving forward, we must leverage this information by advocating for increased youth representation in parliamentary processes and fostering partnerships with local authorities to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement. Let's seize this opportunity to drive positive change and work towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy in Zambia and across the Southern African region. We can continue to raise awareness and mobilize support for our cause. ✍️ Friday Wisdom Chamfya | cc Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF_SADC) | Hon Mkisi Silomba The Youth Cafe | African Union ECOSOCC | African Union | Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts | National Youth Development Council - Zambia #Parliament4People, #Zambia #People4Parliament, #SouthAfrica #AmplifyingCitizenVoices, #AfricanUnion #SADCYOUTH #AimHigherYouth #SADCPF #SADCPFPublicHearings #sadcpublichearing2023

The Youth of Zambia Achieve A Milestone! 🇿🇲 Today marks a monumental milestone as Zambia officially launches the 2024 NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY! ❤️ Led by H.E President Hakainde Hichilema, alongside the unwavering support of development partners UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali and Hon Minister Elvis Nkandu MP. Zambia has revised its 2015 National Youth Policy to better serve and empower the youth through a policy framework and implementation plan. A National Youth Policy is not just a document; it's a Government’s commitment to the future. It signifies our dedication to creating an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. President Hichilema echoed the emphasis on ensuring mechanisms for monitoring the policy's effectiveness underscores our collective responsibility to hold ourselves accountable for tangible outcomes of this Youth Policy. One down ✅ (Policy), One left to go (Legal framework) -> "Zambia Youth Act" ⏳ Let's continue to #BeTheChange & celebrate #Zambia@60. Together, we shape a brighter future through inclusive policies and opportunities for our youth! #YouthPolicy 🎉 #GirlsGonePolitical

🔴 Today, our team leader, Namatai K., alongside Samuel Gwenzi, Robson Chere, Emmanuel Sitima, Last Chinodya, Dephine Gutsa, Phillies Pikitayi, Simbarashe Blackson, and Vusimuzi Moyo, returns to court for a trial that was postponed on September 30. This marks a crucial moment in our ongoing fight for justice, as we stand united in demanding accountability and fairness for all human rights activists, pro-democracy advocates, and political prisoners in Zimbabwe. It is important to note that the individuals mentioned above were not initially implicated in the same legal matter. However, the cases have now been combined. We are now closely awaiting the court's ruling, hoping for a decision that aligns with principles of justice and human rights. Since June 16, Zimbabwe has seen a troubling pattern of unjust arrests and inhumane treatment of activists and political figures. These actions not only violate individual rights but also threaten the democratic framework that is essential for a free society. Our resolve is stronger than ever as we call for an end to these abuses and seek to ensure that every voice advocating for justice and democracy is heard and protected. Together, we stand in solidarity against oppression and demand a fair and transparent judicial process for all. #DropTheCharges #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners Action for Youth Foundation TrustUrgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism Urgent Action Fund-Africa Talent Tatenda MadungweTatenda WachenukaINTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON HUMAN RIGHTS, PEACE AND POLITICShumanrights.chSolidarity CenterHumanRights360Athens Democracy Forum Kofi Annan Foundation HumanRights Watch The Democracy & Culture FoundationDemocracy Works Foundation Democracy Frontlines Fund

Lets see how many can get their brains working so that even if they do not make it at least the writing is done

Law and policy reform takes time, but those who push for reform understand that continuous follow-ups ensure accountability and agenda setting whenever an opportunity arises. Now that the National Youth Policy has been launched, it is important that all legislation it affects gets attended to.

What is happening in Kenya has been a ticking time-bomb for most African countries. Next to Kenya, Gen Z in Uganda are marching to parliament to denounce rampant corruption. In South Africa, a youthful Naledi Chirwa, an EFF Member of Parliament articulately addressed the parliament in presence of president Ramaphosa detailing all Ramaphosa’s broken promises to the youths of S. Africa. These episodes are likely to be replicated in many other African countries. Expectedly and evidently, the Gen Z legitimate voices are being suppressed and many youths are being persecuted; flaming intergenerational conflict further.  But this crisis was foreseeable. In 2022, we registered “Action for Solidarity Rights” (www.solidarityrights.org), a none-profit organization. Intergenerational equity was considered as one of the objectives in the organization’s constituting statutes. Our focus is distinct from other intergenerational equity orthodox domains such as environment, climate justice, natural resources. We focus on governance where we commit to ensuring that current political and economic incentives are balanced for both present and long-term needs; insisting on transparency and accountability of decision makers about their choices that commit future generations. We clearly establish the relationship between governance, debt, corruption and intergenerational conflict and seek to address this crisis by creating platforms where intergenerational dialogue and debate can take place. We believe that a critical mass of informed citizens, particularly the youth can formally and peacefully hold their leaders accountable, and challenge clientelism through democratic means.

This Thursday we take you back to the #NationalDialogue on #SustainableDevelopmentGoals "Let us make #publicparticipation to be more of a consultative forum, rather than having to involve people on imposed laws and policies" 🔝 Public policies must evolve from top-down mandates to inclusive consultative forums to ensure that no one is left behind. By actively involving diverse communities in the policy-making process, we can create laws and regulations that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens. This approach fosters transparency, accountability, and mutual respect, allowing for a more democratic and equitable society. Instead of imposing policies on the people, a consultative process ensures that everyone has a voice, particularly marginalized and underrepresented groups, thereby promoting a holistic and inclusive development agenda. Let us strive to make public policies a true reflection of collective will and wisdom, ensuring every citizen feels heard and valued. Listen to this ➡ #LeaveNoOneBehind HERAF | United Disabled Persons of Kenya UDPK | HelpAge International | ActionAid | Save the Children International | Plan International Kenya | GROOTS Kenya | POLYCOM GIRLS 💛💙💖 | The Open Institute | Uraia Trust | Sightsavers | PACJACI | VSO | Usawa Agenda

The Youth Cafe is teaming up with Club de Madrid and the Global Democracy Coalition to foster a more robust democratic system. Our workshop, titled ‘Youth For Future: Meaningful representation and participation,’ is taking place at University of Nairobi under the UN Civil Conference umbrella. This session will explore the importance of engaging in democratic processes and defending democratic values in a polarized world with rising authoritarian tendencies. We’ve got inspiring leaders to share their experience;  1. Moussa Mara, a former young prime minister from Mali. He has held office at a young age and is aware of the challenges young politicians face once they are in a decision making position 2. Representatives of the WYDE Civic engagement network, a group of young decision makers, who will also share their stories of struggle and success in promoting democracy and youth participation in their countries.  3. Mary Yvonne Ododah, who has experience working with youth and equipping them with necessary tools to succeed in their quest to strengthen and participate in democratic institutions. Good news! This won't be a one-way street! Participants attending the workshop will have a chance to openly discuss their concerns about  democracy and how young people should best be represented. We are looking forward to a lively and engaging discussion with you! Follow the link to register; https://lnkd.in/dg__7n5H #2024UNCSC #africanyouthempowernment #youthinaction #inclusivedemocracy #digitaldemocracy #WeCommit

#Programme 🧩 Moldovan civil society were taken on study visits to Romania organised by EPD's members alda* - European Association for Local Democracy and People in Need to learn about #transparency and #CivicParticipation in policymaking. 🏫 Within #EU4Accountability, we strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations in Moldova to: 🔵 Enhance their role as actors of governance and, 🔵 Increase the social #accountability of public administrations. Learn how we support democracy and European integration of the Republic of Moldova ➡️ https://bit.ly/3RU6yAg