United States International University (USIU) is to host the region’s inaugural model African Union in partnership with the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA). Model African Union (MAU) conference is an academic conference where participants simulate proceedings of the African Union, just like the United Nations Youth Model.
The conference is set to take place from 17- 20th July 2013 at the United States International University with the support of African Union and Oxfam.
The conference dubbed “Youth in policy making: Empowering for sustainable development in Africa” is the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and will be hosting over 200 youths from across Africa.
The conference will be graced by top AU diplomats, youth leaders, and passionate panafricanists such as Dr. Willie Butler among other distinguished guests. The head of youth programs in African Union Dr. Raymonde Aggossou will deliver a keynote address. The conference aims to bring youth closer to the continent’s biggest policy making body by providing them with a unique opportunity to give their inputs on various challenges Africa is facing.
Participants will be expected to put on their best thinking caps and discuss critical questions such as; ‘is military intervention in Mali Justified?’ The four committees being simulated include that on economic matters, social matters, Democracy, Governance and Human Rights and that on Peace and Security. Delegates will tackle contemporary issues that are of importance to the African continent such as debt and foreign aid, human rights abuses, self determination, democracy and war on terror on the continent.
The YALDA Model African Union will be a platform to create awareness of the African Union’s roles and activities on the continent, analyze how member states viewpoints can impact on dynamic and unified policy making at the African Union and also generate understanding on the constraints the AU faces. It is also a framework for African youth to come together and discuss the African agenda.
YALDA MAU offers an opportunity to sharpen negotiation and public speaking skills, exposure to a multicultural working environment and a chance to network with fellow youth from all over Africa. Youth are expected to learn and demonstrate professionalism as well display exceptional creativity in solving the Africa’s challenges. Youth are the beacon of hope for the continent and YALDA invites all young people to participate and contribute to the African cause.
Students, youth workers and/or leaders and young professionals from across the African continent are encouraged to apply. The deadline for application is 25th May 2013! For information on how to apply click here: https://www.facebook.com/YALDAMAU
By Amina Ahmed
