The Afro-Arab Youths Council (AAYC) and the Non-Aligned Movement Youths Organisation (NAMYO) have convened the Diaspora Youths Information and Engagement Forum in a hybrid format at Fitzrovia Youths in Action’s Warren Centre, London.
the forum brought together African and Afro-Arab diaspora youths, youth leaders and institutional stakeholders to advance youth leadership, diaspora engagement and global cooperation.
Organised in partnership with NAMYO and the NAMYO Africa Forum, and supported by UK-based AiMedTech, the event focused on practical pathways for youth participation in regional and international development processes.
The platform was designed to deepen diaspora engagement, strengthen youth networks and enhance the role of young people in global development initiatives.
In his opening remarks, the West Africa Coordinator of AAYC and Vice Chair for Africa Region at NAMYO, Mr Bello Shagari, stressed the importance of institutional collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for diaspora youths. He described the AAYC–NAMYO partnership as a tool for inclusive engagement and urged a transition from dialogue to action-oriented youth programming.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Jacob Eyeru of NAMYO Uganda highlighted the role of diaspora youths in shaping global youth agendas, strengthening international solidarity and promoting sustainable development through structured leadership.
A goodwill message from the Guest of Honour, Dr Abduljabar Hamza, reaffirmed support for diaspora youth initiatives and encouraged young people to actively engage with platforms that amplify youth voices in global decision-making.
During the institutional briefing, the Secretary General Francophone of AAYC, Ms Fadimatou Iyawa, outlined the council’s mandate and activities, describing diaspora youths as strategic bridge-builders across Africa, the Arab world and diaspora communities. She highlighted engagement opportunities through leadership programmes, thematic networks and institutional partnerships.
Also speaking, Ms Jessica Mahama, NAMYO Board Member and Representative for Tanzania, presented NAMYO’s global structure and governance framework, encouraging diaspora youths to participate in its programmes and contribute to global youth advocacy efforts.
An interactive session allowed participants to share perspectives on collaboration challenges and opportunities, with discussions focusing on strengthening youth networks, improving institutional access and co-creating initiatives linking diaspora communities with their countries of origin.
The forum ended with a vote of thanks by the Secretary General of AAYC, Mr Huzyfa Elhassan, who reaffirmed the council’s commitment to translating dialogue into concrete action through sustained partnerships and youth-led initiatives.
the forum also received support from partners including Sheraton Textiles and Karama Perfume, among others.