Call for Session Proposals: African Youth Charter

Application Deadline: October 4, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 AYC@20 Pan African Youth Forum. The African Union Commission (AUC) has officially opened the Call for Session Proposals for the Pan African Youth Forum (PAYF) 2026, inviting young leaders, youth-led organisations, civil society, academia, private sector institutions and development partners to help shape the Forum’s programme.

The continental gathering will take place 16–20 November 2026 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking the 20th anniversary of the African Youth Charter (AYC@20) under the theme:

“Reflecting, Reimagining, and Repositioning the African Youth Charter.”

The Pan African Youth Forum 2026

PAYF 2026 is one of Africa’s leading youth policy and engagement platforms, bringing together young people and key stakeholders from across the continent to exchange ideas, build partnerships and develop practical solutions for Africa’s future.

The Forum will convene

• Young leaders and youth-led organisations
• African Union Member States
• AU organs and institutions
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• Civil society organisations
• Private sector representatives
• Development partners and researchers

The discussions will contribute to strengthening youth participation in continental policy processes while reflecting on two decades of implementing the African Youth Charter.

Applications are encouraged from

• Youth-led organisations
• Young professionals and innovators
• Civil society organisations
• Academic and research institutions
• Private sector organisations
• Regional and international partners working on youth development

Proposals should demonstrate relevance to the Forum’s theme and promote participation, inclusion and actionable solutions.