Every year on the 12th of August, the world commemorates International Youth Day. This day was set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness and reflect on issues affecting young people worldwide. This year again, Malawi joined the rest of the international community in commemorating this day under the theme “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.”

The theme sought to highlight that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world needs to leverage the full potential of all generations. Furthermore, the theme sought to utilize young people’s potential as actors of change, which requires involving and empowering them in developing policies and supporting their participation at all levels.

NGO booths at the “International Youth Day 2022 Commemoration ( CIVO Stadium)”

Youth Wave, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and various stakeholders in Malawi, led the commemoration event at CIVO Stadium in Lilongwe. The event attracted different organizations and youth who showcased their talents, services and other innovative products. 

The event was graced with the presence of Malawi’s Head of State, H.E. Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who could not hide his admiration for the interventions and innovations done by Malawian Youth in addressing social challenges as a contribution to Malawi 2063. The Head of State, H.E. Dr. Lazarus Chakwera also pledged that his administration will continue with youth-aligned policies and programmes across the nation, for they are crucial in the transitioning of Malawi into a self-reliant and inclusively wealthy nation.

The Head of State H.E Dr. Lazarus Chakwera making his remarks

The event also provided “Networking Zones” for young people and various stakeholders from development agencies and the government. Through the networking zones, young people interacted with different stakeholders and discussed social issues and developmental issues. The platform also provided an opportunity for exploration of ways to foster potential partnerships.

Young people from SRHR Africa Trust presenting on their services.
Stakeholders from PAN AFRICAN interacting with young people.

Other activities during the IYD commemoration event were sports, live music and dance performances and SRH service provision. Young people from both Lilongwe urban and rural as well as a few other districts were present at the event.