The Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 officially kicked off today, October 7, at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, drawing over 1,000 delegates from Africa and the Arab world under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity and Prosperity.”
The four-day gathering, running until October 10, is one of the largest youth assemblies ever hosted in Uganda. It brings together young leaders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss peace, unity, and prosperity across Afro-Arab regions.
The Congress is hosted by the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) in partnership with the Government of Uganda under the Office of the President and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
Speaking at the launch earlier in August, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, emphasized the central role of youth in shaping global stability.
“Peace cannot be sustained without the meaningful involvement of young people; unity cannot be achieved without bridging divides; and prosperity cannot be achieved unless it harnesses the vibrant energies of young people,” the Minister said.
The Congress features keynote sessions, interactive panels, youth innovation exhibitions, cultural performances, and business networking forums, culminating in the adoption of the Kampala Declaration on Afro-Arab Youth Cooperation.
A major highlight will be the launch of a fundraising drive for the construction of the AAYC International Headquarters in Nakawuka, spearheaded by Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, AAYC Special Envoy and former Prime Minister.
During the buildup to the event, AAYC Secretary-General Abbas Agaba unveiled the vision of the Afro-Arab Youth City, to be built on 50 acres of land donated by President Museveni. The planned complex will include a modern office block, international-standard hotel, sports stadium, cultural heritage center, and a University of Science and Technology.
“This is more than a building; it’s a dream city that will stand as a beacon of unity, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment,” Agaba said.
Adding her voice, Oliva Mutesi, President of the Pan African Youth Union, rallied young people to unite in addressing global challenges.
“We are being attacked. So it’s time we become each other’s keepers, united against oppression, war, and discrimination,” she urged.
The event is expected to boost Uganda’s international image as a hub for youth leadership and peace dialogue while giving a major lift to the tourism and hospitality sectors, thanks to the influx of international delegates.
Minister Barugahara urged Ugandan youth to take full advantage of the opportunity, saying,
“Let us represent our nation with pride and make Uganda the heartbeat of Afro-Arab youth cooperation. This is our chance to show the world our talent, resilience, and innovations.”
The Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 is poised to become a milestone in strengthening Afro-Arab relations, with Kampala serving as the birthplace of new youth-driven initiatives for peace and prosperity.