African Young Leaders Diplomatic Conference kicks off in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, February 23, 2025 (FMC) – The opening ceremony of the African Young Leaders Diplomatic Conference (AYLDC) was held at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.

The conference was organized by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs of the Federal Government in collaboration with the Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association (EYDPA) and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ms. Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD), said that youth should use their potential and work with determination to realize the prosperous and united Africa we dream of.

He said that the continent should be transformed by encouraging young people in leadership positions and ensuring their full participation.

Former Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, for his part, stated that it is difficult to build a strong economy, ensure innovation and sustainable growth without peace, and emphasized that youth should develop the experience of solving problems through dialogue and play a crucial role in the peacebuilding process.

Professor Patrice Lumumba, a proponent of Pan-Africanism, said at the same time that the fate of tomorrow’s Africa depends on the youth of today.

Therefore, he emphasized that African youth, who are the future leaders and agents of change, should work hard to build a prosperous Africa together with the idea of ​​Pan-Africanism.

The conference aims to hold a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, diplomacy and international relations, and innovation, said the Director of the Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association, Chala Assefa.

He said the conference will provide an opportunity for the voices, perspectives and aspirations of African youth to be heard and reflected widely.

He said the platform will also help young leaders connect with diplomats and senior government officials and exchange experiences.

The conference will last for the next two days and will be attended by more than 300 young leaders from various African countries, universities and civic organizations.

On the day, recognition was given to organizations that have done outstanding work in empowering youth and in other fields.