Inspiring Voices.

At a time when the world demands bold and inclusive solutions, Angolan youth show that they are ready to lead. On September 10 and 11, the municipality of Icolo e Bengo was the scene of a historic moment: the Youth Forum, an initiative that brought together 75 young people from seven municipalities to discuss, propose, and act on the great challenges of local development.

The world asks for innovative solutions. Angolan youth respond with courage. At the Forum, promoted by the European Union, UNICEF, and government partners (MAT, MED, MINJUD, and MINPLA), the theme was clear: "Youth participation in local governance and its impact on human capital development". But what we saw was much more than a debate.  It was a reflection and action.

 Youth who think, propose, and transform.

For two intense days, the young people immersed themselves in Youth4FORESIGHT methodology, an innovative tool that helped them analyze the challenges of their communities and design solutions based on data, trends, and dreams. Facilitated by previously trained young people, the sessions were marked by active listening, creativity, and commitment to change.

"I learned that participating is not just being present but making a commitment to transform ideas into concrete actions."  Says Patrício, a young participant.  

The Forum was a laboratory of solutions. Young people identified priorities for quality education, sustainable jobs, environmental sustainability, and youth-led climate action. Each proposal presented by the young people was born from commitment to the community and the certainty that youth is the engine of change. 

"Education is the basis for youth empowerment. I proposed the creation of local youth clubs to promote active citizenship." Adriano, a young participant, tells us.

A youth who does not wait, builds.

The Youth Forum was more than an event: it was a collective awakening. The young people left with the conviction that the future depends on their courage, unity, and creativity.

"The message I leave for other young people is clear: your voice has value. Participate, get involved, because if we don't decide today, others will decide for us tomorrow." Patrício, a young participant, tells us. 

"I learned to see my future in HD, to value and believe in my dreams, to believe in myself." Sharing, Marcelina, young participant. 

Partnerships that Enhance Dreams.

The event is part of the PASCAL Project (funded by the European Union) and the Unlimited Generation (GenU), supported by UNICEF, aligning with the major national plans for youth, National Development Plan 2023–2027, the Angola 2050 Strategy and the National Plan for the Development of Angolan Youth 2025–2027, which recognize youth as a strategic pillar for the development of human capital. Here, each young person realizes that they are not alone. Well, there is a network of support, encouragement, and opportunities.

"The Forum was an opportunity to show that youth have a voice, ideas, and real solutions to the challenges of our communities. I felt confident, valued, and inspired."  Says Adriano

"I imagine a future in which the youth of Icolo e Bengo are more united, more aware of their role, and ready to lead the processes of change in our land."  Patrician Share

"After this forum I imagine that the youth will be more participatory, more communicative, more empowered and when that happens, we will have a relentless Icolo and Bengo" said Joana, a young participant. 

The youth of Icolo and Bengo do not wait for the future. She builds it, every day, with courage, vision, and action. May this example inspire young people from all over the country to assume their role as protagonists in the transformation of Angola.