Niamey is set to welcome the inaugural Youth Forum of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) from June 27, 2025, at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation.
The announcement was made by Niger’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sidi Mohamed, during the government’s Council of Ministers meeting on June 19.
According to the minister, the National Youth Council of Niger (CNJ) is spearheading the organisation of this landmark event, with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Committee tasked with operationalising the AES.
“This forum will mobilize the youth of Niger and other countries of the Confederation around the common destiny of our countries in the conquest of sovereignty of the Sahel region for the security and prosperity of our peoples,” Mr. Sidi Mohamed stated.
The forum aims to bring together young leaders and representatives from AES member states, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as well as youth platforms from Chad, Togo, and the Pan-African Youth Union (UPJ), underscoring a broad commitment to fostering regional unity and development.
Ministers responsible for youth affairs from AES member countries, alongside representatives from friendly nations such as Chad and Togo, are also expected to attend the gathering.
The event is positioned as a pivotal platform to strengthen youth engagement across the Sahel, addressing shared challenges and harnessing opportunities for peace, security, and sustainable prosperity in the region.
As the Sahel region continues to face complex security and economic issues, the forum’s focus on youth empowerment and regional sovereignty highlights the critical role that young people are expected to play in shaping the future of their nations.
This first-of-its-kind youth forum under the AES banner signals a new chapter in collaborative efforts aimed at securing the Sahel’s stability and growth through inclusive and forward-looking policies.
About The Author
