#United States #New York #Future of Africa #African Union Youth #Global Dispatches

New Podcast 'Future of Africa' Launches to Empower Young African Voices

The United Nations Foundation has recently introduced a groundbreaking podcast series titled 'Future of Africa', co-hosted by renowned Kenyan media personality Adelle Onyango and journalist Mark Leon Goldberg. This initiative shines a spotlight on the perspectives and experiences of young Africans, facilitating their engagement in the crucial dialogue surrounding global policies. Launched on International Youth Day, August 12, 2025, this series aims to elevate voices that are often overlooked in discussions about Africa's future.

Co-created by the African Union Youth Envoy, the UN Foundation, and The Elders, with contributions from the Global Dispatches podcast, 'Future of Africa' embodies a collaborative effort focused on fostering intergenerational conversations. This limited-series podcast will explore a variety of issues, from climate justice to educational reforms, addressing the challenges that Africa faces today while also highlighting the opportunities that lie ahead.

Key Themes and Topics

The podcast series adeptly intertwines personal narratives with policy discussions. Each episode features young change-makers paired with respected global leaders, offering listeners a well-rounded understanding of significant topics such as:

• - Africa's Role on the Global Stage: A conversation examining Africa's diplomatic growth and governance evolution.
• - Climate, Peace, and Security Nexus: How climate change is intertwined with global insecurity and the potential of Indigenous knowledge in fostering peace.
• - Global Partnerships and Finance: Identifying meaningful financing routes for Africa post-Conference on Financing for Development.
• - The Trust Deficit: Restoring faith in governance amidst public distrust through youth-led initiatives.
• - Educating the Next Generation: An exploration of how education systems can equip African youth for future challenges.
• - Women on the Rise: Honoring women's leadership and the significant role they play in societal progress.
• - Vaccines and Public Health: Discussing the impact of vaccinations on Africa's public health landscape and future readiness.

Inspiring Voices for Change

Notable guests such as Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel laureate, alongside other pivotal figures, will feature in discussions. The initiative promises a dynamic exchange of ideas, underscoring the potential of storytelling in reshaping narratives surrounding global challenges.

As stated by Harshani Dharmadasa, Senior Director at the UN Foundation, "With Africa being the youngest continent, it is pivotal for young voices to participate in shaping global dialogues. This podcast not only elevates their ideas and experiences but also fosters a shared vision for the future."

The Panel of the Future, an African Union Youth Envoy initiative, aims to incorporate the insights of youth into Africa's policymaking processes, ensuring that young people's contributions inform the continent's trajectory.

Podcast advisor Chido Mpemba echoed these sentiments, stating, "This series is a reminder of the powerful impact stories, especially those stemming from youth experiences, can have on global discourse."

Accessible and Engaging Content

The 'Future of Africa' podcast is designed to resonate with diverse audiences by breaking down complex policy discussions into relatable content. It is currently available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, making it easily accessible for listeners around the world.

The initiative represents a significant step towards inclusion and representation for young Africans in global discussions, emphasizing their essential role in addressing pressing global challenges. By fostering intercontinental dialogue and amplifying young voices, the podcast aspires to create a more equitable future for Africa and the world at large.

For further details and the complete episode lineup, tune into unfoundation.org/FutureOfAfrica for all the latest insights from this inspiring podcast series.