Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed PH)’s Post

The African continent is poised for transformational growth and change. With over 60% of the continent’s population under the age of 25, its demographic dividend is a beacon of hope and a promise of a prosperous future.

How can the African Union and respective governments put their youths at the center of leadership? By Hugo Keji Africa with too many too old leaders without the current trends of the modern world. Africa needs to put their youths at the center of leadership, the African Union (AU) and respective governments can take a multi-faceted approach involving education, policy-making, mentorship, and creating opportunities.

What better way to end the week than with some incredible opportunities? Here are 4️⃣ opportunities that we think young people should apply for as soon as possible. If you have more to share, drop a comment we’d love to hear from you. 1. The Women Deliver Emerging Leaders for Change Program This program offers a two-year leadership journey for passionate young activists, providing resources, platforms, connections, and training to amplify advocacy goals. Deadline: 30 May 2024 https://lnkd.in/dPysxajt 2. Global Changemakers Summit Global Changemakers invites young changemakers, aged 21-29, worldwide, to apply for a transformative week of skills development, networking, and capacity building alongside inspiring youth leaders. Deadline: 26 May 2024 https://lnkd.in/dpSRtkzN 3. African Writers Conference Awards African writers are invited to showcase their talent and creativity by submitting their work to stand a chance to win the grand prize of $500. Entries must not have been previously published anywhere, including personal blogs. Deadline: 1 July 2024 https://lnkd.in/dasdGKeC 4. The United Nations OHCHR Fellowship Programme This programme aims to empower participants to advance the rights of people of African descent in their countries. They'll gain tools to develop laws, policies, and programs, create civil society-government collaboration, and conduct local awareness activities. Deadline: 31 May 2024 https://lnkd.in/efeh9dK7 #FutureFriday

Check out this list of 50 youth opps, curated by Ziyaan Virji ⭕️of Leaders of Today! https://lnkd.in/dQsFH4EZ

🌟 Excited to Share My Conversation with Rachel O'Connell ! 🌟 Meet Rachel O’Connell, an inspiring educator from Houston, Texas, who is making waves in the world of education equity. Rachel is passionate about improving higher education access for refugee youth and displaced persons, believing in the transformative power of education to uplift entire communities. Born and raised in Pakistan, Rachel's journey has been fueled by a desire to ensure every child has the right to equitable education access. 👉 What Drives Rachel? Rachel's motivation for joining the Atlas Corps Virtual Leadership Institute is deeply rooted in her commitment to global education equity. After earning her Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, she has been on a mission to advance education access for underrepresented groups. 👉 Leadership Project Focus: Rachel's leadership project is centered on enhancing education access for refugee youth in the United States and other similar work. Her work involves navigating complex policy landscapes and fostering community support to ensure these young learners have the opportunities they deserve. 👉 Challenges discusses: The greatest challenge that both Rachel and I face in achieving our leadership project is navigating the intricate world of policy-making and securing the necessary resources. Yet, her unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit keep her moving forward, something I can learn from her. 👉 Insights & Learnings: During our conversation, Rachel and I discussed the layered nature of policy work and the significant role politics plays in shaping welfare strategies. We also brainstormed on how to share resources within our communities and create a strong community of practice. 👉 Growth & Leadership Style: Rachel sees continuous growth in understanding and influencing policy as a key area for her development. Her leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and resource-sharing. Rachel O’Connell is truly a beacon of hope in the field of education equity. Her dedication to making a difference is not just inspiring, but also a testament to the impact one individual can have on countless lives. 🌍✨ Thanks to Atlas Corps for creating such an amazing network of young leaders. Dr. Corinna Hoerst Maz Bednarczyk Sierra Benson Collett #Leadership #EducationEquity #RefugeeYouth #HigherEducation #PolicyMaking #CommunityEngagement #Inspiration #GlobalEducation #EquitableAccess

This International Youth Day, we shine a spotlight on the incredible power of youth—because when young people are empowered, their passion and vision have the potential to uplift entire communities and spark transformative change. 🌍🌟 The energy and commitment we see in our young voices are not just a testament to their dreams but a blueprint for a better future. Our youth are more than just hopeful; they are actively shaping the world they want to live in, driving positive change that ripples through generations. Their dreams are ambitious, their plans are actionable, and together, they are turning aspirations into tangible realities. At HHK, we are proud to stand with them, fostering an environment where their ideas can flourish and their voices are heard. Because when youth lead, we all rise. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the boundless potential of our young leaders—they are not just the future; they are the present, and they are making it count. ✨ #InternationalYouthDay #YouthEmpowerment #RippleEffect #YouthLeadership #FutureLeaders #CommunityBuilding

🗣️ "Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a seismic shift - which can only happen if we empower young people and work with them as equals." — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres 🎊 Today is #InternationalYouthDay! An occasion to recognize the incredible power, potential, and creativity of youth, and their role as essential partners in tackling the world’s challenges. 👀 Did you know? International Youth Day was born from the vision of young people back in 1991 during the World Youth Forum in Vienna, and in 2009, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed August 12th as a key event to amplify youth voices and address the issues they face. What better proof is there of the youth’s ability to #drive #action and #change? 💪🏻 This isn't just a day to reflect, it's a day to act! If you’re unsure where to start, ask yourself: Who are you? How and where do you live? What interests you the most, and what is your area of expertise? The great thing is that everyone can take action simply by being themselves, considering the challenges faced by their community, and applying to it what they love to do. 🎯 Personally, the themes I would like to mention in this post, and which I believe should be a focus while celebrating today, are #empowerment, #intergenerational #understanding and #equity, #participatory #democracy, #communication, and #education. These are the areas closest to me, where I would like (and I’m trying) to take action! 🌟 Let’s take a moment to think about how we can contribute to creating a better and more sustainable future! Every #action counts. So, what steps will you take? United Nations Youth Office Felipe Paullier Olivera

“I believe that light is something that is persistent. Light can truly shape our way forward when we feel like we’re just engulfed with darkness, inequity, injustice, and oppression. We want to amplify the work, wisdom, and assets of those closest to the challenges because the solutions already exist.” - #McNultyPrize Winner Nedgine Paul Deroly At Anseye Pou Ayiti, leadership isn't just about titles—it's about vision, action, and building a better future. Through community-driven education and leadership development, they are transforming the landscape for Haiti's young leaders and empowering them to shape their communities. This inspiring initiative shows us that leadership begins with a deep commitment to the people and places we serve. By investing in education and cultivating local talent, APA is not just creating leaders for tomorrow—but building a brighter, more equitable future for Haiti. This justice and liberation work takes time, but Nedgine and Jean-Claude Brizard are committed to the “long haul” and have already seen lasting results across Haiti. Read The Aspen Institute's blog to learn more about their leadership journey and plans for the future plans: https://lnkd.in/dEybXsmG

International Youth Day: A Catalyst for Change🧡 As we commemorate International Youth Day, let us recognize young people's pivotal role in shaping our world. Their passion, innovation, and resilience are the driving forces behind progress. From advocating for social justice to pioneering technological advancements, the youth are at the forefront of positive change. By fostering youth leadership and collaboration, we can build a more equitable and sustainable future. Let us celebrate the potential of young people today and commit to supporting their aspirations tomorrow🔥. #InternationalYouthDay #YouthEmpowerment #GenerationNext

🌍 Thrilled to Share Some Exciting News! 🇺🇳 I am incredibly honored to announce that our team of youth have been given the extraordinary opportunity to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This milestone is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the impactful guidance and unwavering support I’ve received from mentors throughout my budding career. Their wisdom has not only shaped my professional path but has also instilled in me principled leadership, knowledge and methodologies I carry into every challenge and opportunity. We have the great opportunity to present to delegates, it is a presentation that is close to the heart of our work at Northwest Indigenous Council focusing on “Glocal Perspectives of Indigenous Policy in the urban environment,” an area where I believe we can make substantial strides through global governance and a shared commitment to addressing issues pertaining to indigenous rights. I am so exited to share insights, learn from global leaders, and become grounded in cross-cultural understandings. Beyond the conference halls, I am also looking forward to exploring New York, checking out museums, Wall Street, and theatres. We intend to transcend borders and ideologies. This journey is more than just a professional engagement; it’s an opportunity to observe and take it all in. I carry with me the lessons learned from my mentors, the support of my peers, and the will to make a difference. Here’s to making every moment count, seeking out new perspectives, and embracing the adventure that lies ahead! #UN #ProfessionalGrowth #Mentorship #GlobalImpact #TravelAdventures #indigenous #glocal #governance #leadership #innovation #globalgovernance