The 11th Pan African Council takes place at a critical point in time as the States, International Organizations, Regional Organizations and United Nations System are implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which provides a global blueprint for Dignity, Peace and Prosperity for People and the Planet, now and in the future. The 11th Pan African Council will address the theme: “Youth engaging towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the contribution of students in Africa” as a response of the global call for inclusive participation “Leave no one behind”, on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The IYCS Pan African Council has two (2) parts: the Study Session which is the focal point of this background paper and the Statutory Sessions. The Statutory Session is a business session where the National Movement Reports are presented, recommendations and resolutions of the work of the commissions are endorsed and passed as orientations for the next four (4) years. The report of the IYCS Africa regional coordination for the last four (4) years is also presented, evaluated and recommendations recorded to guide the work of the coordination team and proceed to the election of the Pan African Coordination team 2019-2023.
The last Pan African Council which took place in October 2015 under the theme: “Our Faith – Our Future: Towards Sustainable Development in Africa!” in Kabgayi Rwanda urged all members to enhance empowering students to build consensus on the fundamental issues related to Environment Protection, Peace building and Conflict transformation, Democracy and Good Governance, Sustaining Africa’s integration, YCS Spirituality and the active practice of SEE-JUDGE-ACT methodology.
In the context of the above the IYCS Africa has been empowering and training young people on eco-citizenship, the care of our mother earth, conflict management and transformation through its regional campaigns dubbed “Protecting our Common Home”, Peace Education and promotion of Democracy in Africa. As well as building capacity of young people on transformative leadership, personal development and advocacy. These trainings gave the opportunity to national movements to draw action plans in order to put into action the new skills and knowledge acquired.
In September 2015, Countries were given the opportunity to adopt a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Moreover, the SDGs offer young people a great opportunity as youth participation is a critical component in their implementation.
The theme of the council is also in line with the strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the Africa 2063 Agenda which seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and Sustainable Development in Africa.