On August 19th, 2024, the first edition of ‘Café Thématique’ kicked off at the UNESCO Central African Center in Yaoundé. The event was officially opened by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, along with Siaka Coulibaly, the Resident Coordinator of the UN system in Cameroon.
The discussions centered around the vital role that youths play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Noemi Dalmonte, from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), took the stage to highlight how young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also key agents of change today. She emphasized the importance of global dialogue and the need to protect youths' rights, especially in the digital realm.
This was followed by Yvonne Matururu, a specialist in Special and Human Sciences and Assistant to the Representative at UNESCO, shared insights on innovative ways to promote youth rights online. She introduced the “One Language, Peace” project, which aims to bring young people together across different cultures and backgrounds.
Martha Lingong, John Njende Jr., Seka Jean-Blaise with Achaleke Christian
Next, Achaleke Christian, Executive Director of Local Youth Corner (LOYOC), addressed the challenges young people face in Cameroon regarding the SDGs. He suggested that we need to think creatively to engage youths more effectively. This indicates that by tapping into platforms like TikTok and music, we can spark their interest. He also stressed the importance of mentorship and celebrating small victories to motivate more young people to get involved in development efforts.
In sum, the event showed the need for fresh, supportive approaches to empower youth, ensuring they are not just participants but also leaders in the journey toward sustainable development.
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For the Open Dreams Team, Martha Mburli Lingong
OD Representatives at the event - John Njende Jr., Seka Jean-Blaise, Martha Mburli Lingong
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