Press Statement:
The African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development joins the global community in commemorating International Youth Day 2026, under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Observed annually on 12 August, International Youth Day provides an important opportunity to recognize the contributions of young people and draw attention to the conditions required for them to participate meaningfully in development and decision-making.
This year’s theme reflects the different social and economic realities facing young people across the world, while highlighting their shared aspirations for quality education, decent work, good health, inclusion, opportunity and a better future.
For Africa, where young people remain a major force for social, economic and democratic transformation, these aspirations must be supported by deliberate investments in inclusive governance, accountable institutions, skills development, innovation and meaningful youth participation in public decision-making.
The African Center therefore calls on governments, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen platforms that enable young people to contribute their ideas, leadership and innovation to building peaceful, accountable and sustainable societies.
As we mark International Youth Day 2026, we reaffirm the importance of creating enabling environments where every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Happy International Youth Day 2026.
Signed:
African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development
