Overview

On 11 January 2023, Youth Connect Somalia will organize a high-level youth forum in Mogadishu under the theme:
“Youth Participation in Decision-Making Processes, Political, and Social Affairs.”

The forum will bring together young leaders, policymakers, parliamentarians, government officials, and civil society representatives to highlight the pivotal role of youth in shaping Somalia’s democratic future and advancing peace, development, and social cohesion.

Objectives

The forum seeks to:

• Highlight the importance of meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.

• Encourage youth involvement in political and social affairs.

• Promote dialogue between young leaders and policymakers.

• Strengthen youth voices in governance, peacebuilding, and community development.

Program Structure

1. Opening Session

• Welcome Remarks – Youth Connect Somalia representative.

• Keynote Address – Senior government official, focusing on the role of youth in Somalia’s democratic and social transformation.

2. Speeches

• Inspiring talks from youth leaders, parliamentarians, and civil society representatives.

• Personal testimonies from young people engaged in politics, social affairs, and peacebuilding.

3. Panel Discussions

• Panel 1: Youth in Decision-Making Processes – barriers, challenges, and opportunities for youth inclusion in governance.

• Panel 2: Youth and Political Participation – need for policies and platforms that guarantee youth representation.

• Panel 3: Youth and Social Affairs – youth engagement in community development, education, employment, and peacebuilding.

4. Q&A and Open Dialogue

• Interactive session where youth directly share concerns, questions, and proposals with decision-makers.

5. Closing Session

• Recap of key insights from the panels.

• Presentation of recommendations for youth engagement in governance and development.

• Vote of thanks to participants and stakeholders.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness of the importance of youth participation in Somalia’s political and social spheres.

• Strengthened collaboration between youth organizations and government institutions.

• Development of action-oriented recommendations to integrate youth perspectives into governance.

• A roadmap for enhancing youth leadership, advocacy, and participation in Somalia’s democratic transition.