Youth driving sustainable development: our participation at the Future Africa-Europe Event
The Future Africa-Europe: Youth Championing New Paths to Financing Progress event recently took place and highlighted the vital role of young people in shaping innovative financial solutions for sustainable development. The gathering brought together youth representatives, policymakers, institutions, and organizations committed to fostering a stronger Africa-Europe partnership through intergenerational dialogue and cross-continental collaboration. Konstantinos Maragkos, CEO of our Consortium partner, Youthmakers Hub, represented the programme at the event. During the discussions, he underscored a critical message: “Young people don’t just need a seat at the table; they need resources to act.” This statement resonated with attendees, reinforcing the importance of equipping youth-led initiatives with the financial tools necessary to drive meaningful change.
Discussions centered on key issues such as combating Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), leveraging remittances, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to support sustainable development. The active involvement of African and European youth demonstrated their commitment to redefining financial strategies and ensuring a more inclusive approach to global economic progress. Insights from this event will contribute to the broader discourse at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in 2025. By integrating youth perspectives into these high-level discussions, the event played a crucial role in ensuring that young changemakers remain at the forefront of shaping the future of development financing.
As momentum builds around the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, it is clear that youth-led initiatives are influencing policies and creating tangible solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future. The collaboration between African and European youth stands as a powerful testament to the potential of young leaders in transforming global financial systems for the better.
