Objectifs du Colloque
Who are we ?
The symposium aims to strengthen the capacity of young global leaders to act in solidarity to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promote peace, and guarantee equal human rights.
Specifically, the symposium aims to:
establish a framework for intercultural exchange on peacebuilding and community resilience practices;
identify concrete strategies for combating inequality and defending human rights;
develop a Ouagadougou Roadmap engaging young people in financing sustainable projects; and establish a global network of "Young Ambassadors of Solidarity" to ensure post-symposium follow-up.
Global youth, estimated at nearly 1.8 billion people aged 10 to 24, represent a significant portion of the population, particularly in developing countries where they constitute the largest generation of young people in history. These young people are key agents of change, mobilized for social progress, climate action, and innovation, but they face complex and interconnected challenges such as climate change, unequal access to opportunities, economic crises, social inequalities, and geopolitical conflicts. Like the population of other African countries, Burkina Faso has a predominantly young population. Indeed, according to data from the 2019 General Population and Housing Census (RGPH 2019), more than 77.9% of the population is under 35 years old, and the 15-35 age group represents 33%. However, this youth continues to face numerous challenges that hinder its development and impede its active participation in progress. Indeed, unemployment and underemployment affect a significant portion of this youth, consequently excluding them from the national production system.
Yet, this youth remains a crucial force for transformation, capable of mobilizing global movements and devising innovative solutions.
It is in this context that the Network of African Youth Leaders Organizations of the United Nations, Burkina Faso chapter (ROJALNU-BF), with the technical support of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Employment, plans to organize an International Youth Symposium, scheduled to take place from December 19 to 22, 2025, in Ouagadougou.
Ultimately, the symposium will achieve the following results:
an intercultural exchange framework on peacebuilding and community resilience practices will be established;
concrete strategies for combating inequality and defending human rights will be identified;
a roadmap for Ouagadougou, engaging young people in financing sustainable projects, will be developed;
a global network of “Young Ambassadors of Solidarity” will be established to ensure post-symposium follow-up.
This major event will be organized around several key activities:
3.1. Solemn ceremonies
The opening and closing ceremonies are presided over by the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment of Burkina Faso and under the patronage of the Minister for Youth of Belgium. The closing ceremony will also be an opportunity to celebrate excellence through the presentation of awards to the winners of the workshops and trade fairs, and trophies to distinguished individuals.
3.2. Thematic conferences
Thematic conferences will be organized as panels led by experts, policymakers, young leaders, researchers, and representatives of professional bodies. They aim to explore in depth the issues related to youth, development, governance, and professional impact.
They will also feature caucus group work on youth engagement in relation to the themes explored.
3.3. Workshops and project fairs
Alongside the conference activities, workshops and exhibitions showcasing youth-led creativity and innovation will be held. The aim is to create a space for practical learning, promoting initiatives, and fostering professional development. These activities will be structured as follows:
Interactive Workshops:
Entrepreneurship and Local Innovation;
Institutional Communication and Impact Diplomacy;
Resource Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships.
Project Fair:
Sectoral Exhibition Booths;
Pitches from Young Ideas Holders;
B2B Meetings and Mentoring Sessions.
3.4. The march in support of youth initiatives
This march aims to symbolically mobilize citizens, institutions, and professional bodies around the causes championed by young people. The march will follow a structured urban route, featuring empowering slogans, messages of commitment, and representatives from various sectors. Participants will include delegates from different countries, local authorities, artists, development partners, youth advocacy groups, media representatives, and others.
3.5. Cultural activities and gala
The cultural activities and gala are prestigious and exceptional events that will be organized at the end of the colloquium to celebrate African cultural diversity, offer a moment of relaxation and prestige, and showcase professional talent.
This symposium will bring together approximately 300 young leaders, social entrepreneurs, academics, government delegates, and representatives of youth-led civil society organizations from Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia, serving as official delegates.
In addition, more than 5,000 other participants will take part in activities organized alongside the symposium.
© 2025 colloque.rojalnubf.org
