Ensuring that the youth of Africa remain engaged with the social, economic, and political issues of their continent is an ongoing process. Last year, Friends of Africa International organized the first Pan African Youth Leadership Forum in Accra, Ghana, in order to empower African youth to become the future leaders of their society. The annual forum will be held this year 2008 in Egypt, and looks to continue the truly significant work and mission of last year’s assembly.

Great change requires great vision. African youth – those who believe in the ability of their continent to live up to its full potential – have the vision necessary for meaningful change in Africa. And in order for change to be effectively initiated and continually sustained, the youth of Africa need the knowledge, resources, and training that are crucial to ensuring that their visions can become a concrete and lasting reality.

The goal of the Pan African Youth Leadership Forum is to provide African youth with the essential education and training necessary for leadership, and to offer a forum for youth to share their unique knowledge and experiences among their colleagues. The 2008 PAYLF will build on the successes of last year’s forum, while opening up additional topics for discussion and new areas for improvement.