AU, IOM launch Migration Initiative to advance youth engagement

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2023 (FBC) – The Office of the African Union Youth Envoy and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have partnered for the launch of Youth Migration Initiative to advance youth engagement in migration advocacy and promote safe, orderly, and dignified migration within Africa, AU official statement confirms.

The partnership will see the launch of the IOM Africa Youth for Migration Programme (AYMP), an initiative of the IOM Special Liaison Office to the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC).

The programme is rooted in the belief that youth play a critical role in advocacy, participation, decision-making, and empowerment, aligning with the objectives of the African Union Youth Charter and the 1 Million Next Level Initiative.

AU, through the AYMP, invited young people from Africa who are passionate about migration issues and have experience in advocacy, research, or creative content development to apply to become IOM Migration Youth Ambassadors.

It is stated that the selected ambassadors will be at the forefront of promoting awareness and understanding among African youth on migration issues, providing platforms for participation and engagement, and contributing to the knowledge base on migration and human mobility issues on the continent.

Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, the African Union Youth Envoy, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration between the African Union Youth Envoy and IOM is a powerful step towards empowering young people to drive positive change in migration advocacy as a key priority of the African Union Commission and our Chairperson. The AYMP programme presents an exceptional opportunity for young leaders to make a tangible impact and contribute to the Africa We Want.”