Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa, the secretary general of the Muslim World League (MWL) and chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, recently spoke at the “African Youth Forum 2024” held at the UN office in Nairobi, Kenya. He emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of their nations and peoples. Al-Issa stressed that investing in youth is an investment in both the present and the future, highlighting the importance of providing young people with the necessary tools for success.
During the forum, various topics related to the present and future of youth were discussed. This included the contribution of youth to dialogue, peacemaking, policy-making, and sustainable development in their countries and the world. Al-Issa emphasized the need for efficient education and training programs to ensure that young people are equipped to contribute to the development and prosperity of their communities.
Al-Issa also highlighted some troubling statistics related to youth, particularly in regards to education, especially for girls. He expressed his concerns about denying girls access to education based on their gender, describing it as the worst scenario. The forum provided a platform for young people to engage with religious, political, and civil leaders to address the challenges they face and to work towards finding solutions together.
The MWL chief called for a collective effort to identify and overcome the obstacles that prevent young people from accessing quality education. He pointed out that factors such as wars, poverty, corruption, inefficient planning, and family problems can hinder educational opportunities for youth. Al-Issa emphasized the importance of working together to create a conducive environment for young people to thrive and contribute positively to society.
The forum was attended by leaders from various influential parties in Africa, as well as representatives from international organizations and youth organizations. Key figures included the African Union Youth Ambassador, the Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society, and the Permanent Representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to the African Union. The discussions focused on empowering youth to become future leaders and agents of positive change in their communities.
In a special session hosted by the Kenyan Youth Parliament, Sheikh Al-Issa engaged with young parliamentarians and emphasized the importance of incorporating youth perspectives and interests into future policy decisions. He addressed the challenges that young people face in accessing quality education, which is essential for achieving sustainable economic and social development. Al-Issa listened to the concerns and queries of the youth parliament members and provided insights and guidance on how to overcome these challenges.
Overall, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa’s participation in the “African Youth Forum 2024” highlighted the importance of investing in youth and providing them with the necessary support and resources to realize their full potential. By addressing the barriers that hinder young people from accessing education and opportunities, we can create a brighter future for the youth and contribute to the overall development and prosperity of our societies. This forum served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between young people and leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered youth population in Africa and beyond.
