The 6th Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC VI) in Windhoek, Namibia, recently concluded with a powerful call to action: “Align for Action: Sustaining Progress in Youth Health and Education.” A significant voice at this pivotal event was My Age Africa, represented by its esteemed Director, Onward Gibson, who served as a distinguished panelist.
Mr. Gibson’s contributions to the panel were incisive and forward-looking. He illuminated the evolving landscape of youth movements, emphasising that “today’s movements are increasingly being shaped by a generation of young people bringing fresh energy, innovation and new perspectives.” This highlights the dynamic and transformative power of youth in driving social change.
Furthermore, he delved into the potent synergy between young people and artificial intelligence. In an era where information is more accessible than ever, Mr. Gibson articulated that “in an AI generation where information is increasingly accessible, young people are bringing innovation and energy to how we build the next generation of leaders.” This underscores the critical role of technological literacy and innovative thinking in empowering future leaders.
Finally, Mr. Gibson stressed the imperative of transitioning “from talk to action”. He advocated for moving “beyond what “looks good on paper” towards practical implementation, stronger structures, knowledge transfer and intentional collaboration.
“This call for tangible results and collaborative efforts resonates deeply with the conference’s overarching theme, urging stakeholders to translate dialogue into meaningful and sustainable progress in youth health and education.
My Age Africa’s participation at SARSYC VI has undoubtedly reinforced the urgent need for aligned action and continued investment in the potential of young people.
