Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A youth forum held in Addis Ababa concluded today with a strong call for enhanced partnership between Africa and Malaysia. The event, themed ‘Youth Partnership for Shared Prosperity,’ brought together young leaders from across Africa and Malaysia, alongside officials from the African Union and the Ethiopian government.
The forum marked the first of its kind, aiming to foster collaboration and strategic alliances driven by the youth demographic. Key messages emphasized the importance of intellectual liberation from the vestiges of colonialism and the promotion of South-South cooperation.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the forum, sharing Malaysia’s experience in economic development and highlighting Africa’s potential as a continent of youth and future growth. He delivered a lecture titled ‘Bridging Civilizations and Building the Future: Strengthening African-Malaysian Partnership for Prosperity,’ underscoring the historical lessons Africa offers the world in resisting injustice and upholding freedom and justice.
Ibrahim stressed that true independence requires shedding the colonial mindset, warning against the perpetuation of colonizer-colonized dynamics even after political liberation. He emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for development, and intellectual liberation is essential for genuine peace, asserting that youth are capable of leading the transition towards a future based on good governance, sustainability, a green economy, and digital transformation.
Ethiopian Minister of Women and Youth, Ergogie Tesfaye, highlighted Africa’s growing demographic strength, projecting a population of 2.5 billion by 2050. She further noted Malaysia as a successful model for economic transformation and educational advancement. The forum concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaborative initiatives between African and Malaysian youth.
