More than 1,000 young leaders and representatives from 118 NGOs across 43 African countries came together in Marrakech, Morocco, on 19 June 2025 for the first YES Africa Summit ¨C an ambitious, continent-wide initiative aimed at empowering young people who are currently unemployed, out of school or lacking training opportunities.
Over two days, participants explored themes critical to the future of Africa¡¯s youth, including informal education, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, migration, civic engagement, and partnerships. The summit also featured a dynamic marketplace of ideas, where high-impact projects were presented and exchanged.
In a special video message, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier underscored the importance of the summit, which addresses one of Africa¡¯s most pressing challenges: creating opportunities for young people seeking employment and education. ¡°This issue reflects the shortcomings in our economies, education systems and social structures¡±, he said.
Paullier praised the creativity and commitment of African youth, who are transforming challenges into opportunities and building a more inclusive, sustainable future. He reaffirmed the United Nations' full commitment to supporting youth-driven solutions across the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ system in Morocco, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Resident Coordinator Nathalie Fustier said the United Nations is proud to support this pan-African movement. ¡°¡®YES Africa¡¯ reflects our shared values of inclusion and equal opportunity,¡± she noted.
Co-organized ?by the and the , with support from the Government of Morocco the in the country, the summit brought attention to a significant issue: more than 70 million young Africans are currently without jobs, education, or training.
The event¡¯s tangible outcomes included a social economy manifesto, a white book of recommendations, a guide to best practices, and a catalogue of innovative concepts and initiatives developed during the summit.
Support for the summit also came from the DCO Africa Regional Office and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵIC Rabat, within the framework of the joint DCO/DGC Africa regional communications plan for 2025, which emphasizes youth empowerment and active participation.
