By Jones Gadama
As the September elections approach, Malawian youths are taking proactive steps to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected. The Youths Decide Campaign, a coalition of various youth organizations, is organizing a National Youth Summit on June 25 and 26, 2025. The summit’s theme, “2025 National Youth Summit for Democracy and Human Rights,” reflects the campaign’s commitment to promoting youth empowerment and democratic values.
The summit’s primary objective is to make the youth manifesto a binding document for political parties. This move aims to ensure that parties prioritize youth concerns and deliver on their promises. Mwandida Theu, Chairperson of the organizing committee, emphasizes that the conference will explore ways to hold governing parties accountable for unfulfilled youth manifestos.
Historically, political parties have adopted youth manifestos solely for electoral gain, without intending to implement them. The Youths Decide Campaign seeks to change this narrative by empowering youths to demand their rights and influence policy decisions that affect their lives.
A Platform for Youth Engagement
The National Youth Summit provides a unique opportunity for youths to engage with policymakers, political parties, and other stakeholders. The summit will facilitate discussions on critical issues affecting youths, including education, employment, and healthcare.
By bringing together youths from diverse backgrounds and organizations, the summit aims to create a unified voice that can influence policy decisions. The expected outcome is a binding youth manifesto that will guide political parties in their engagement with youths.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
The summit’s focus on holding parties accountable for unfulfilled youth manifestos is a crucial step towards promoting transparency and accountability. By making parties answerable for their promises, youths can ensure that their concerns are addressed and their rights protected.
The Youths Decide Campaign’s efforts are geared towards empowering youths to take an active role in shaping their country’s future. By participating in the National Youth Summit, youths can develop strategies for influencing policy decisions and ensuring that their voices are heard.
A Brighter Future for Malawi
The National Youth Summit is a significant step towards empowering Malawian youths to demand their rights and influence policy decisions. By making the youth manifesto binding and holding parties accountable, youths can ensure that their concerns are addressed and their rights protected.
As Malawi approaches the September elections, the National Youth Summit provides a timely platform for youths to engage with policymakers and political parties. By uniting for change, Malawian youths can shape their country’s future and ensure that their voices are heard.
In conclusion, the National Youth Summit is a crucial initiative that aims to empower Malawian youths to take an active role in shaping their country’s future. By promoting transparency, accountability, and youth engagement, the summit provides a platform for youths to demand their rights and influence policy decisions.
