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About the forum
Breaking Barriers through intergenerational dialogue
We are thrilled to welcome you to the Africa Youth Forum, a dynamic and transformative platform designed to bridge the generational divide between youth and older generations across the continent. This conference brings together passionate youth advocates, seasoned statespersons, and experienced professionals from across the continent to address critical issues facing young people in Africa, share insights, and explore innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Join us in this exciting journey of empowerment and transformation. Your voice, your ideas, and your actions are vital to shaping the future of Africa.
The Africa Youth Forum took place at the United Nations Office of Nairobi, Kenya, on 15 August 2024.
The speakers
Meet the speakers
The Africa Youth Forum featured leading youth advocates, influential leaders, and changemakers who are shaping Africa’s future and beyond.
Africa Youth Forum moderator and Royal Media Services (Citizen TV Kenya) journalist, Kenya
Ayub Abdikadir Abdi is a professional journalist working with ‘Royal Media Services' under Citizen TV Kenya. Abdi hosts Citizen TV's #DayBreak, a current affairs show that airs from 6-8AM. The show reviews the newspaper headlines and thereafter shifts on specific targeted topics of deliberations (politics, economy, social issues, environment, health, et al).
Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union in Ethiopia
Dr. Asha Mohammed is the Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union in Ethiopia and former Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross. A former dentist, she focuses on underserved communities and has addressed issues like HIV/AIDS, climate change, and hunger crises. An advocate for women's leadership, she mentors young women in their professional development.
H.E. Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka
Former Vice-President of Kenya and Party Leader of Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM)
Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka was the 10th Vice President of the Republic of Kenya (2008-2013). He served as a minister in various government posts since 1993. While serving as Foreign Affairs minister, Mr. Musyoka mediated peace talks between Southern Sudan and Somalia. Currently Hon. Stephen Kalonzo is the party leader for the Wiper Democratic Movement and one of the leaders of the Azimio Coalition.
Margaret Kiogora
Ag. Chief Executive Officer, National Youth Council, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
Margaret Kiogora is a visionary leader with over 12 years of experience in various industries, including banking, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. She contributed to the Youth Sector in Government for three years and is acting as Acting Chief Executive Officer at the National Youth Council.
H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
Secretary General Muslim World League, Saudi Arabia
H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa is a globally renowned Islamic leader, lecturer, and philanthropist, he is the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), the world’s biggest Islamic NGO. Dr. Al-Issa dedicated his life to combating hate speech and extremist ideologies.
Hon. Johnson Sakaja
Governor, Nairobi County
Hon. Johnson Sakaja is currently serving as the Governor of Nairobi County. Previously, he served as the Senator of Nairobi from 2017 to 2022 and as nominated Member of National Assembly from 2013 to 2017 by the National Alliance Party (TNA), which was part of the ruling Jubilee Coalition (now Jubilee Party).
Chief Executive Officer, Boma Panafrican Ltd; Interim President of New partnership for Africa Red Cross and Red Crescent Plus
Dr. Abbas Gullet is a prominent figure in the humanitarian and business world. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Boma Panafrican Ltd, a company established in October 2019. Prior to this role, he held the position of Secretary General at the Kenya Red Cross Society from May 2005 to December 2019. Dr. Gullet is also the founder and Chairman of the Boma Groups of hotels in Nairobi, Eldoret, and Nyeri, all of which are fully owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Hon. Issa Timamy
Governor, Lamu County and Party Leader Amani National Congress (ANC)
Hon. Issa Tammy is the current Governor of Lamu County, a position he first held from 2013 to 2017 and regained in 2022. He is a distinguished leader and legislator known for his commitment to public service, community development and social justice advocacy.
Africa Union Peace Ambassador, Youth Advocate in Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Kenya
Ivy Muchoki is a youth Advocate in sustainable agricultural systems and a global champion in climate change and green systems. She sits at the youth advisory panel for Global Center on Adaptation. She is also the Peace Ambassador for the African Union. Her work as a Youth Advocate, Green Economist, and African Union Peace Ambassador highlights her commitment to both environmental and social causes.
Azmaira Alibhai
Faith and Ecosystems Coordinator, UNEP Faith for Earth, Kenya
Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Nairobi, Kenya.Azmaira currently works as the Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator at the United Nations Environment Programme supporting management of the Faith for Earth Initiative, strategic partnerships and engagement across the UN system including at the UNFCCC, INC, CBD and focusing on culture and development. She is primarily responsible for the mobilization of faith actors for the implementation of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
Hon. Emily Achieng Okello
Minister Mombasa County - Water, natural resources and climate change resilience; former member of the Mombasa Youth Assembly (MYS), Kenya
Hon Emmily Achieng is currently serving as the CECm for Water, Natural Resources and Climate Change Resilience in Mombasa County. Ms. Emily Achieng Okello has been a vibrant youth advocate championing the participation of youth in decision making process, more specifically on matters of climate change.Emilly was an instrumental member of the inaugural Youth Assembly established in Mombasa. She served as a clerk of the Mombasa Youth Assembly. Since then, she has been at the forefront in supporting the creation and strengthening of Kwale and Lamu Youth Assemblies.
Hon. Gitonga Mukunji
Member of Parliament Manyatta Constituency and Chairperson Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association, (KYPA)
Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, also known as kijana ya Kujituma, is the Chairperson of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) and a committed legislator representing Manyatta Constituency, Embu County in the National Assembly.
Petrider Paul
Board of Directors, Imara Leadership Initiative, Tanzania
Petrider Paul works to advocate for youth, health and gender rights. She previously served as an African Union Youth Advisory Council to the 1st African Union Youth Envoy on an appointed role by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, an accountability hub member for Women and Youth in Democracy under the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Olso Center, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the European Partnership for Democracy.
Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado
National Chairman, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims
Hassan Ole Naado is the current National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), a Chevening Fellow, an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) under the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State of the USA.
He has over 25 years’ experience in governance, prevention and countering violent extremism, national peace building and conflict resolution.
Kidi Mwaga
Lawyer, Columnist, Convenor Inter-parties' Youth Forum, Champion of Youth Inclusivity
Kidi Mwaga is a Lawyer, Columnist, Convenor Inter-parties Youth Forum, Champion of Youth Inclusivity. IPYF is a platform that serves as a bridge between various political ideologies, uniting young minds with the common goal of creating positive change in the political space in Kenya. Through this forum, as a Convener, Kidi facilitate dialogue that transcends partisan boundaries, sparking discussions on pressing issues that affect the youth, the environment, and national unity.
Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena
Rector University of Peace - San Jose, Costa Rica
Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena has been the Director of the University for Peace (UPEACE) since 2013, with a second term starting in 2018. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utrecht and an M.S. from FLACSO. His expertise includes international relations, human security, Latin American politics, and international defense.
Hon. Seth Mwatale Kamanza
Speaker, County Assembly of Kwale, Kenya
Hon. Seth Mwatela Kamanza is a skilled legal and policy expert currently serving as the Speaker of the County Assembly of Kwale. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a Post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law, as well as a Professional Diploma in Marketing.
Former Prime Minister of Norway
Kjell Magne Bondevik served as Prime Minister of Norway from 1997 to 2000, and 2001 to 2005. He was Minister of Foreign Affairs 1989-1990 and of Church and Education 1983-1986. Member of Parliament 1973-2005. He is founder and former president of The Oslo Center, committed to peace, democracy and human rights. Bondevik was awarded the Grand Cross of St. Olav in 2004, is a member of the Club de Madrid, a group of former leaders of democratic states that works to strengthen democratic governance and leadership.
Joseph Kimani Njuguna
Program Manager Democratic Governance, Royal Danish Embassy
Joseph is a Good Governance, Human Rights, Socio-Economic Development and Civic Engagement professional. He currently serves as the Program Manager Democratic Governance, at the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, where he oversees Denmark’sassistance to Kenya on sub-national governance (devolution), civic engagement, human rights, anti-corruption and public financial management.
Senator Hon. Veronica Maina
Senator, Members Speakers Panel, Kenya
Senator Veronica Maina is a Special Elect Senator from Kenya's ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), serving her first term in the Senate. She was previously the Secretary General of UDA and played a key role in the party's success in the 2022 General Election. She also served as the Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, Kenya's former ruling party.
H.E. Caroline Vicini
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden, Embassy of Sweden to Kenya, UNEP and UN-HABITAT.
Ambassador Caroline Vicini is a seasoned Swedish diplomat with extensive experience in international relations. She has served in various high-profile diplomatic roles, representing Sweden in different countries and international organizations. H.E. Vicini has held positions such as Sweden's Deputy Head of Mission to the European Union and Ambassador to the United States, showcasing her expertise in European affairs and transatlantic relations.
Ms. Phoebe Mungai
Country Director, The Oslo Center Kenya and Somalia
Phoebe Mungai is a highly committed member of the Democracy Assistance team in Kenya. She focuses on providing technical support to political parties and empowering women and youth. With strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, she is able to translate strategies into actionable initiatives.
Finn Jarle Rode
Executive Chairman, The Oslo Center, Norway
Finn Jarle Rode is the Executive Chairman of the Oslo Center. Previously, he was Executive Director at the Oslo Center, running a financial and strategic turnaround operation. Finn Jarle has previously served as Director of the Global Partnership team of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) headquarters in Geneva.
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