By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
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, youths leaders, and institutional stakeholders to advance youth leadership, diaspora engagement, and global cooperation.
Organised in partnership with NAMYO and the NAMYO Africa Forum, the event was supported by UK-based AiMedTech and focused on practical youth participation pathways.
The platform aimed to deepen diaspora engagement, strengthen youth networks, and enhance youth roles in regional and international development processes.
Mr Bello Shagari, West Africa Coordinator of AAYC and Vice Chair for Africa Region at NAMYO, delivered the opening remarks.
He emphasised institutional collaboration as critical to creating meaningful opportunities for diaspora youth across regions.
Shagari highlighted the AAYC–NAMYO partnership as a tool for inclusive engagement and urged a shift from dialogue to action-oriented youth programming.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr Jacob Eyeru of NAMYO Uganda.
He underscored the role of diaspora youth in shaping global youth agendas, strengthening international solidarity, and advancing sustainable development through structured leadership.
A goodwill message from the Guest of Honour, Dr Abduljabar Hamza, reaffirmed support for diaspora youth initiatives.
He encouraged young people to engage actively with platforms that amplify youth voices in global decision-making processes.
During the institutional briefing, Ms Fadimatou Iyawa, Secretary General Francophone of AAYC, outlined the Council’s mandate and activities.
She described diaspora youth as strategic bridge-builders across Africa, the Arab world, and diaspora communities.
Ms Iyawa highlighted engagement opportunities through leadership programmes, thematic networks, and institutional partnerships.
Ms Jessica Mahama, NAMYO Board Member and Representative for Tanzania, presented NAMYO’s global structure and governance framework.
She encouraged diaspora youth participation in NAMYO programmes and contributions to global youth advocacy efforts.
An interactive session enabled participants to share perspectives on collaboration challenges and opportunities.
Discussions focused on strengthening youth networks, improving institutional access, and co-creating initiatives linking diaspora communities with countries of origin.
The forum concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr Huzyfa Elhassan, Secretary General of AAYC.
He reaffirmed AAYC’s commitment to transforming 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
