YouthQuake celebrates International Youth Day

The Namibia Media Trust (NMT) will host its sixth annual YouthQuake conference at the Goethe-Institut in Windhoek today.

The conference celebrates International Youth Day.

NMT project lead Jessica Uiras says this year’s conference will be held under the theme, ‘Next Generation Democracy: Inspiring Youth to Lead and Innovate’.

“The theme is inspired by the critical need to address the Namibian youth’s growing disconnect from traditional political processes. As the country prepares for the 2024 elections, there is a critical emphasis on ensuring young people are not only aware of their roles within the democratic system, but are also empowered to take active leadership positions and drive innovative change,” says Uiras.

The theme reflects a commitment to developing a new generation of leaders capable of navigating and reshaping the political landscape, as well as ensuring youth voices are heard and their contributions to Namibia’s future are recognised, she adds.

YouthQuake is an annual youth development programme that encourages civic participation among Namibian youth.

According to NMT project officer Elizabeth Ipinge, the conference is a platform established for the youth, by the youth, as a free and safe space for young Namibians to come together to share, dissect and create solutions for all matters concerning them.

“In short, it is a space designed to respectfully disrupt the status quo,” says Ipinge.

According to Uiras, the conference’s main objective is to empower young Namibians to actively participate in political and civic processes, particularly in the run-up to elections.

“The conference aims to bridge the gap between young people and traditional political structures by giving them the skills, knowledge and platforms they need to influence decision-making and contribute to the democratic process,” she says.

Uiras also hopes the conference will promote dialogue, develop actionable policy recommendations and inspire young people to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond.

Attendees at this year’s conference can expect a dynamic and interactive programme, including plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops and debates.

Expert speakers from various organisations will share their insights on topics such as youth political engagement, voter education and the role of youth-led initiatives in increasing civic participation.

Speakers include Rejoice Amutenya, the founder of Afterbreak Magazine, Christie Keulder, a researcher at Afrobarometer, media ombudsman John Nakuta and founder of Rural Rise Namibia Eslien Tsuses.

According to Ipinge, the speakers were chosen for their extensive experience in key fields such as media, research, civic engagement and youth leadership.

“Their perspectives and experiences will undoubtedly enrich discussions and inspire participants at this year’s YouthQuake conference.”

In addition to notable figures from institutions like the Institute for Public Policy Research and Namibia Institute for Democracy, this year’s event speakers will include Nicolas Tembwe, the director of the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, and NMT director Zoé Titus.

“Participants will have the chance to network with peers and professionals, engage in meaningful discussions and develop leadership and advocacy skills,” says Ipinge.

In addition, there will be a discussion about how well social media works for youth advocacy. The event will end with the #YouthQuake24 declaration and call to action being presented, says Uiras.