The stage is set for the 5th Extraordinary Summit of the Youth Model African Union (YMAU), scheduled to take place from 12th to 14th November 2025 at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The summit promises to be a landmark event, bringing together young leaders from across Africa’s 55 AU Member States for an immersive diplomatic and leadership experience.
Convened by the Centre for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) regional office Addis Ababa, Model AU Ethiopia, the Ethiopia Youth Dialogue for Peace and Bahai International Organization, the summit is designed to mirror the structure and operations of the African Union where young Africans step into the assume the roles of African Heads of State and Presidents to address Africans most pressing challenges.
This year’s theme, “Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice for African Youth and People of African Descent through Reparations,” aligns with the AU’s 2025 continental theme and reflects the commitment to strengthen youth leadership in justice, peace, and continental development.
Speaking on the significance of the summit, Augustine Igweshi, Convener of YMAU and Executive Director of CEPASD, noted that the gathering will “equip young Africans with the diplomatic, negotiation, leadership, and policy-making skills they need to drive the AU Agenda 2063 and champion the Africa we want.”
Highlights of the summit include:
Real AU Simulations: Delegates will represent AU member states in Assembly, Peace and Security Council, ECOSOCC, and Human and People’s Rights Commission simulations.
High-Level Keynote Speeches: From AU leaders, UNDP officials, ambassadors, and policy experts.
AU 1 Million Next Level Campaign Integration: Engaging youth in shaping and scaling initiatives aligned with the African Union’s flagship youth agenda.
Networking Opportunities: Delegates will connect with over 300 young leaders, diplomats, and policymakers from across the continent.
Cultural Tour of Addis Ababa: Including visits to historic sites and Ethiopian cultural experiences.
Participants will also receive an African Union recognized certificate, gain membership in the Y55 Assembly, and be spotlighted in the African Transformer Magazine and be recognised as 100 Most Transformational Young African
Registration for the summit officially opens on 1st July 2025, with visa-on-arrival assistance provided by the African Union to ease participation.
With a legacy of fostering diplomacy, leadership, and youth inclusion in continental decision-making, the YMAU has become a flagship platform for preparing the next generation of African leaders and changemakers.
For more information and registration, visit www.youthmodelafricanunion.org or +234902 709 2541