What do you think is important to tell the leaders of Africa?

This week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, young people from all over Africa are joining UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, political leaders and celebrities for the fifth African Development Forum.  The theme is 'Youth and Leadership in the 21st Century' and  young people, who make up more than 60 per cent of Africa's population, are taking centre stage in their discussions with African leaders from 16-18 November.

Voices of Youth are profiling some of the young activists attending the conference and including their reactions and reporting on events at the Forum.

Ethiopia

Name: Akililu Abate
Age: 19
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Quote: "I am a Grade 12 student and a member of the Ethiopian Youth Forum. I am particularly interested in working with street children."

Gambia

Name: Satang Nabeneh
Age: 17
Hometown: Banjul, Gambia
Quote: "I have been a child advocate for seven years, specializing in child rights and abuse."

Namibia

Name: Fenni Nashilundo
Age: 15
Hometown: Oshakati, Namibia
Quote: "This whole trip was amazing and the youth can easily compete or compare notes with each other in order to develop."

Ethiopia

Name: Brook Habtegiorgis
Age: 18
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Quote: "I have graduated from high school and I will be joining university next month."

Kenya

Name: Jacqueline Kowa
Age: 23
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Quote: "I am a female youth advocate working with a National Organization of Peer Educators who believes in youth participation at all levels."

Madagascar

Name: Ida Mehajery
Age: 16
Hometown: Antsiranana, Madagascar
Quote: "I am a student in high school and also the president of the children's parliament."

Ethiopia

Name: Linda Yohannes
Age: 18
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Quote: "Young people are strategic partners in development."