Briefing: Youth Structures and Agenda Development Project, August–November 2024
Briefing: Youth Structures and Agenda Development Project, August–November 2024
“Youth impact remains disproportionate to their field roles.”
In early August 2024, the Public Policy Institute – Sudan launched efforts to address the organizational fragility and partisan influences affecting youth agendas. The initiative aimed to enable youth leadership in establishing equitable peace and restoring normalcy in Sudan.
Years of systematic marginalization and civil exclusion have left youth significantly underrepresented, despite their extensive field efforts. This marginalization has been exacerbated by the persistent use of military force to resolve political conflicts, alongside worsening economic and social crises.
The project sought to amplify youth participation in humanitarian, civil, and political spheres by redefining their role—from marginal participants in political processes to prominent, independent voices. The aim was to establish a structured coalition with a youth-centered agenda aligned with their priorities and reflective of their critical role in this pivotal moment in Sudan’s history.
To achieve these goals, the Institute invited over 100 prominent youth groups to a high-level meeting on International Youth Day, August 15, 2024, where it presented an executive summary of the state and future of Sudanese youth (2023–2024). This summary, informed by extensive consultations with youth groups and analyses of local and international contexts, recommended the establishment of a Youth Parliament.
Following the meeting, the Institute formed a liaison committee comprising active and influential institutions to plan the Parliament’s founding body. A participatory establishment process ensued, culminating in the Parliament’s official launch on International Democracy Day, September 15, 2024. The event included the democratic election of its General Secretariat, which was praised for its transparency and integrity, with participation from over 70 influential youth organizations.
The launch of the Youth Parliament marked a milestone of hope for Sudanese youth and the broader community. This long-awaited platform harnesses the transformative potential of youth and acknowledges their inspiring contributions to Sudan’s national movement.
One participant remarked:
“Our voices were drowned in political and military conflicts, but now we have a platform that reflects our aspirations under our leadership.”
Another added:
“Today, I participated in free and fair elections. It’s a momentous step toward a just peace and a thriving democracy.”
Observers anticipate that the Youth Parliament will strengthen the national movement’s voice and serve as a cornerstone of Sudan’s democratic transformation. It is expected to provide a robust mechanism to prevent societal and state disintegration in the post-conflict period.
The project underscored the immense transformative capacity of Sudanese youth. Despite barriers, their determination to build a stable and prosperous Sudan has only grown stronger. The time has come to recognize their extraordinary contributions, particularly in the wake of the April 15, 2023 war, and prior.
The Youth Training and Employment Organization – Sudan played a pivotal role by providing strategic partnerships and financial support to the Institute, ensuring the project’s operational stability. These contributions covered research and consultancy expenses, enabling the team to organize and direct efforts toward successful outcomes.
This project aligns with the Institute’s core mission of enhancing the democratic space, particularly by strengthening youth movements to assume leadership roles in political processes. It also contributes to fostering a cohesive national stance in a thriving democracy and advancing equitable peace.
Operations Manager
Public Policy Institute – Sudan
Date: November 30, 2024