Young Voices defined the IGAD Regional Youth Policy Meeting in Nairobi

From 2 to 4 June 2025, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Horn of Africa Youth Network convened a regional technical experts meeting in Nairobi to advance the implementation of the IGAD Youth Policy (2023-2033). The meeting gathered 45 participants, including youth leaders and representatives from National Youth Councils, youth organizations from six IGAD Member States, and international policy institutions such as UNDP, International IDEA, and ACCORD.

Lavina Oluoch from Search for Common Ground represented the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab at the event. The programme contributed to the discussions focused on finalizing the Implementation Roadmap and the Monitoring & Evaluation Framework for the policy. Delegates reviewed and aligned priorities, approved a 10-year roadmap, and agreed on a five-year implementation plan. Key areas of discussion included the creation of a dedicated Youth Unit within IGAD, strategies for resource mobilization, and mechanisms to operationalize youth governance structures. The AU-EU Youth Voices Lab provided valuable insights into cross-regional youth engagement, highlighting the importance of youth-led advocacy in policy implementation.

The programme demonstrated its potential to support the IGAD Youth Policy by fostering collaboration, aligning with AU-EU priorities, and promoting youth inclusion across regional governance processes. And we were there to make sure the voices of young people are heard and taken into account.