Bissalanca, Guinea-Bissau – Over 500 young people from across Guinea-Bissau gathered on October 31st for the National Youth Conference, held under the inspiring slogan "Rethinking Youth and Guinea-Bissau Beyond Political Party Borders." Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in partnership with UNFPA with participation of UNDP, UNICEF, Plan International and other national partners, the conference provided a critical platform for youth voices and perspectives.
"This conference has been an incredible opportunity to connect with other young people from across Guinea-Bissau. We've shared our challenges, dreams, and ideas for the future. It's empowering to know that our voices are being heard." - Mariama, 22, Student.
The event, hosted in Bissalanca in the Biombo region, fostered dialogue and exchange among young Guineans, enabling them to share their experiences, challenges, and priorities for youth agenda and policies. A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of preliminary results from the YOUTH DIAGNOSIS, a series of regional consultations and assessments related to youth digital literacy in the country that provided valuable insights into the realities faced by young people in the country, jointly conducted with technical and financial support from UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Guinea-Bissau.
"I was really inspired by the presentation of the YOUTH DIAGNOSIS. It's so important to have data that reflects our realities. This information will help us advocate for the changes we need." - Midana, 25, Youth Activist.
By participating in the conference, UNFPA demonstrated its dedication to ensuring youth identified priorities and challenges are mainstreaming into the national development agenda and aligned to the PACT FOR THE FUTURE recently endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly, which emphasizes the importance of youth participation and empowerment, fulfilling the principle of "leaving no one behind."
"This conference is a testament to the power of collaboration. By working together with young people, government, and civil society, we can create a brighter future for Guinea-Bissau." - Lesmes Monteiro, Secretary of state for Youths.
The National Youth Conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of youth engagement in shaping a brighter future for Guinea-Bissau. By bringing together diverse voices and fostering collaboration and the inclusion of broader representation of young women and men, including the young women and men with disabilities, the conference has laid the groundwork for meaningful progress, contributing to rebuilding trust and the social fabric that leads to social cohesion and peacebuilding.
During the conference, 500 youths from across the country came together to define and align youth priorities with the key pillars of the Pact for the Future: climate change, human rights, digitalization, science and technology, and youth and future generations. This collaborative effort culminated in the creation of a comprehensive Youth Agenda, setting a clear roadmap for the next five years.
UNFPA's active participation in the Conference underscores its dedication and ensuring that young people have the resources and opportunities to achieve their potential. By amplifying youth voices and fostering meaningful engagement, the United Nations Population Fund, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the progress of Guinea-Bissau's youth.
