Youth should engage with AU agenda

Prof Ben Turok has challenged young people to question the theme and scrutinise the implementation of the African Union's (AU) Agenda 2063.

Turok was the keynote speaker at the first ever Model Africa Union Summit (MAUS), which took place at UCT from 31 July to 2 August.

The summit was organised by the UCT chapter of the African Union, the first of its kind in South Africa, established in May this year. MAUS is an academic simulation of the AU that strives to educate participants on African current affairs and its Agenda 2063.

The theme of Agenda 2063 is 'The Africa we want'. Turok emphasised the important role Africa's youth will play in achieving the goals of Agenda 2063. He also encouraged attendees to establish AU chapters at other tertiary institutions in South Africa.

Other speakers at the event included Professor Evance Kalula, Director UCT's International Academic Programme Offices, and Deputy Minister of Communication Obed Bapela.

Delegates made up various committees that discussed and formulated resolutions on topics pertinent to young Africans.

Resolutions adopted at the summit were forwarded to the AU Commission, the body's secretariat, in order to raise the profile of problems affecting young people in Africa and suggesting solutions to these problems. Nine MAUS delegates were chosen to participate in the AU summit scheduled to take place in Ethiopia in November.

Photo caption: Musical and poetry performances were interspersed between serious discussions on the way forward for young Africans at the first ever Model Africa Union Summit.

Story by Abigail Calata. Photo by Michael Hammond.