5th Extraordinary Summit of the Youth Model African Union: Sponsorship Available

About the Summit

The Youth Model African Union (YMAU) returns for its 5th Extraordinary Summit, bringing together youth delegates from all 55 African Union (AU) Member States for a high-level simulation of the AU’s decision-making processes. Hosted at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this flagship event is a rare opportunity for Africa’s next generation of leaders to experience the realities of continental diplomacy, governance, and multilateral collaboration.

As the world turns its attention toward Africa’s growing strategic importance, the YMAU creates a powerful space where young Africans can debate, collaborate, and shape the continent’s future, grounded in the principles of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

What Is the Youth Model African Union (YMAU)?

The Youth Model African Union is an educational and leadership initiative that mirrors the structure and functions of the African Union. Designed as a hands-on simulation, it provides young Africans with an immersive platform to engage in AU-style proceedings—from the Executive Council and the Peace and Security Council to Specialized Technical Committees.

Delegates take on the roles of heads of state, diplomats, and ministers, participating in real-time negotiations, policy development, and continental dialogue. Through this process, participants gain a deep understanding of AU mechanisms, while building critical skills in diplomacy, leadership, negotiation, and public speaking.

Summit Theme:

Fostering Understanding of AU Mechanisms Through Youth Diplomacy

In an era defined by complex global challenges and dynamic regional shifts, it is essential that Africa’s youth are not only aware of the AU’s role but are actively contributing to its work. The 2025 YMAU Summit focuses on increasing youth engagement with AU systems and policies, while preparing a generation of pan-African changemakers equipped to drive transformation.

YMAU Objectives

Enhance Knowledge

To deepen participants’ understanding of the AU’s structure, core organs, and frameworks, including Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the AU Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). Delegates explore the Union’s policy processes and decision-making dynamics through realistic simulations.

Develop Leadership Skills

YMAU is a powerful training ground for emerging leaders. The Summit provides intensive experience in diplomacy, policymaking, negotiation, strategic thinking, and public speaking, all within the authentic context of AU proceedings.

Promote Youth Participation

Africa’s most pressing challenges—conflict, climate change, migration, unemployment, injustice—demand bold, innovative, and youth-driven solutions. The Summit aims to activate youth voices by putting young Africans at the center of meaningful discussions and solution-oriented dialogue.

Foster Regional Integration

By bringing together young delegates from all corners of the continent, YMAU advances inter-regional understanding, unity, and collaboration. The goal is to build long-term networks that reflect the AU’s principle of “African solutions to African challenges.”

Key Focus Areas for 2025

Delegates at the 5th Extraordinary Summit will explore, debate, and draft resolutions on a range of urgent and strategic issues, including:

• Peace and Security: Conflict prevention, disarmament, and regional stabilization
• Climate Justice: Africa’s role in the global climate movement and sustainable development
• Economic Development: Strengthening intra-African trade and digital transformation
• Justice and Reparations: Addressing historical injustices and advocating for continental dignity
• Youth Empowerment: Policy inclusion, innovation, and employment opportunities

Each topic is approached through the lens of African agency, encouraging participants to connect local realities with continental frameworks.

Why Attend?

• Experience Continental Diplomacy Firsthand
• Network with Young Leaders from Across Africa
• Draft and Present Policy Resolutions in AU Chambers
• Gain Real-World Skills in Governance, Leadership, and Advocacy
• Contribute to Agenda 2063 and Shape Africa’s Future

Whether participants envision careers in international relations, governance, law, public health, or civil society, YMAU offers a transformational experience that blends learning, leadership, and legacy.

Hosted by the African Union Commission

The 5th YMAU Summit is organized in partnership with the African Union Commission, reflecting the AU’s commitment to increasing youth involvement in regional governance. As part of the AU’s broader youth strategy, YMAU aligns with key frameworks such as:

• African Youth Charter
• AU Youth Engagement Strategy
• Agenda 2063 Aspiration 6: “An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its youth”

Final Thoughts

The YMAU is more than a simulation it is a launchpad for a new generation of African leaders committed to justice, peace, prosperity, and unity. As Africa rises, the Summit equips its youth to rise with it knowledgeable, capable, and determined to lead.

Save the Date:
12–14 November 2025
AU Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For more information or to express interest in participation or sponsorship visit here

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hosting organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.