Empowering youth across Africa and Europe: Highlights from ‘Collective Voices in Action ‘ and the AU-EU Civil Society & Youth Forum

From November 19 to 21, 2025, we participated in the AU–EU Summit side events in Luanda, Angola, ahead of the ongoing AU–EU Heads of State Summit on November 24–25.

On November 19, we organized “Collective Voices in Action: Where Youth and Civil Society Shape the Africa–Europe Partnership of Tomorrow”, in collaboration with our programme partners and CONCORD Europe. We heard directly from young people, exchanged perspectives, and co-created actionable ideas to influence policy-making.

On November 20, the AU–EU Civil Society and Youth Forum opened, with presentations from OECD, UNDP, and UNICEF, alongside interactive discussions highlighting the role of youth and civil society in strengthening cooperation between Africa and Europe.

On November 21, thematic sessions on Global Gateway & Youth Entrepreneurship, Promoting Cultural Relations, Peace and Security, and Recommendations on People, Prosperity, and Multilateralism allowed us to share insights and co-create solutions for sustainable development and cross-continental collaboration. During the sessions, the AU-EU Youth Lab — which we are part of — and its opportunities have been presented.

A special moment for us was when, during her closing remarks, Erica Gerretsen, Director at DG INTPA at the European Commission, highlighted the AU–EU Youth Lab as a paradigm of programmes empowering young people across Africa and Europe.

These three days showed us the power of youth-driven initiatives and inclusive dialogue. We are proud to contribute to empowering young people as key actors for change across Africa and Europe.