Ethiopia's Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergoe Tesfaye, stated that youth lack the capacity to lead Africa during the 6th African Youth Diplomacy Forum in Addis Ababa. The event, held on March 16, 2018 E.C., was organized by the ministry, Ethiopian Youth Peace Dialogue Network, Intercontinental Youth Connect, and others. Over 300 youth leaders, diplomats, and policymakers attended under the theme 'From Policy to Practice: Generating African-led Solutions for Continental Peace and Stability'.
At the 6th African Youth Diplomacy Forum in Addis Ababa, Dr. Ergoe Tesfaye, Ethiopia's Minister of Women and Social Affairs, remarked that youth do not possess the capacity to rescue their countries from challenges or lead them forward. The forum, convened by the ministry along with the Ethiopian Youth Peace Dialogue Network, Intercontinental Youth Connect, and other partners, drew more than 300 youth leaders, diplomats, and policymakers from around the world. Held under the guiding theme 'From Policy to Practice: Generating African-led Solutions for Continental Peace and Stability,' the event aims to advance youth involvement in national peacebuilding, economic integration, and job creation. The minister emphasized that Africa's development requires collective efforts, with youth playing a crucial role if the continent's development agenda is prioritized. She urged African youth to prepare for the digital era, particularly in artificial intelligence, as digital natives. 'We will build the Africa we want together,' she stated, adding that the Ethiopian government is diligently creating job opportunities and enhancing employment quality for youth. She stressed the need for youth leaders to integrate modern knowledge with management skills to drive genuine change, while drawing lessons from past generations to fulfill their historic responsibility in shaping Africa's future.