African Youth And Governance Convergence

AYGC 2020 was an exciting experience for me, one that I will never forget. I was the rapporteur for my team, and was able to learn from their wealth of knowledge. Our hard work really paid off as our motions were passed into AYGC Resolutions with 98% votes- the highest for the day. Now I have better understanding of where African concerned voices can be heard and the modalities of the General Assembly. Even better, AYGC is a plus on my CV!

AYGC 2020 Virtual was a great learning experience for me especially the well put together plenary sessions and committee work as well as the seasoned speakers and coaches especially His Excellency, Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria.

Until AYGC 2020, I had always felt that Africans will continue to be separated because of language barriers; Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone divisions, yet the Secretariat and YBF Team did well to bridge this gap by the provision of Convergence documents in Portuguese and French and also providing translation hence making deliberations with the over 100 participants very lively.

After the Convergence, I wrote an article on my website “Epito Repórter” (in Portuguese) that has resonated and gained visibility across the Lusophone region of Africa. I am really grateful for the networking and mentoring opportunities from the Convergence. I look forward to participating in, learning from and contributing my knowledge at AYGC 2021.

I had the opportunity to experience living with people from different sociocultural background and to share our perspective on issues. Then there was the sense of purpose I had from being part of group that seeks to encourage and promote accountability as well as effective leadership, The governance and leadership committee.

AYGC is such a unique liberating leadership grooming and educational experience for an African youth who really love Motherland, Africa and is committed to developing the African continent as a leader. AYGC experience UNITES AFRICAN YOUTH to work towards common goals in building the Africa we want.

My experience inspired me to step out of my comfort zone, to share my ideas, to listen to ideas from others and to take my place in the world of global politics. I have become a more confident person. This platform gave me a great opportunity to present myself before high official delegates and world leaders at the United Nations in New York.

AYGC Ghana 2019 was beyond wonderful and inspiring as i got to meet and interact with fellow youths from different African countries and the Diaspora who showcased great skills and intelligence. I was selected to attend the 64th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW64) to be held in March at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America. This is something i did not expect but because of AYGC, my dream came true!

Don’t tell me young people aren’t disciplined, hardworking and intelligent. I can confidently say this because on Day two of AYGC 2020, I worked till late on the draft of the motion with my youthful and responsible team on the committee on Creative Arts and Culture. It was in preparation for the debate at the next day’s General Assembly where we hoped our motions will be voted in, and for potential outings at the United Nations, UNESCO etc. I am truly inspired that there is hope for the future of Governance in Africa!

I attended the AYGC 2020, a gathering of over 30 countries, where I participated as a delegate on the Committee on Employment and Entrepreneurial Development. We discussed the impact of COVID 19 and the way forward as a continent.
Networking is the new gold mine in our time and accessing global communities the way forward. That’s why I love the fact that I connected with amazing people across the globe. It was an amazing event worth the time and sacrifices put into organizing it. The experience was mind-blowing!
Looking forward to AYGC 2021!