Seventy-five participants from South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, will participate in four-day regional Youth Summit at the University of the Witwatersrand from Wednesday.

The Summit, a partnership between the US Embassy in Pretoria which is sponsoring the event, and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), will focus on wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking.

SAIIA is replicating a professional diplomatic setting where delegates will negotiate a cohesive youth-led position on wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking, based on Model United Nations debating principles and structures.

The summit provides a platform for youth to engage on the cross-cutting issues facing the region, developing skills that allow them to express their views and complex ideas in an international setting.

“Youth@SAIIA is excited to be partnering with the US Mission to South Africa to host this dynamic group of young Africans for our first Wildlife Youth Forum,” said Thuli Montana, SAIIA Youth Programmes Officer.

“The conference will provide a platform for youth-led negotiations related to wildlife conservation, trade and trafficking, and intersecting development issues,” she added.

“The week ahead for our delegates will be both challenging and exciting, and we look forward to the work produced by these outstanding young minds.”

– African News Agency (ANA)

Categories: Education News