A regional youth forum is underway in Zinder from July 22 to July 23, 2026, addressing key themes of peace, development, and governance. The two-day event, taking place in the heart of the Zinder region, brings together young people to discuss their key role in shaping the future of the region and contributing to national progress. Mai Boukar Abdoubacar, administrative delegate of the fourth municipal arrondissement of Zinder, emphasized the critical importance of this gathering. Abdoubacar stated that youth represent a key lever for sustainable development and societal advancement. He further noted the importance of actively engaging young people in initiatives aimed at fostering long-term progress and stability within their communities.
Forum's Core Objectives
The forum in Zinder is comprehensively addressing a range of key themes vital to the region's future. These include peace, social cohesion, development, employment, education, social violence, and governance. These topics form the bedrock of discussions, aiming to empower young participants to contribute meaningfully to solutions. The Mouvement des Jeunes pour la Paix et le Développement (MOJEPAD) is a primary organizer of the event and actively advocates for youth to be recognized as active partners in proposing solutions and driving national transformations. In a significant call, MOJEPAD also called for increased transparency in public service recruitment, specifically within the Finance and Petroleum sectors, showing their commitment to good governance and equitable opportunities. The organization believes that such transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring that qualified young individuals can contribute to these vital sectors.
Regional Challenges Noted
Hundreds of young people from various departments across the Zinder region are actively participating in the forum, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the discussions. The breadth of participation shows the regional significance of the event and the widespread desire among youth to address pressing issues. Partner organizations supporting the event include CARE Niger and Save the Children, whose involvement notes the collaborative effort behind this initiative. Save the Children specifically noted that Zinder is one of the regions most exposed to early marriages and child trafficking, showing specific and urgent challenges faced by youth in the area. These critical issues are being discussed within the framework of the forum, seeking actionable strategies for intervention and prevention. The participation of these non-governmental organizations demonstrates a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges impacting the well-being and future of young people in Zinder.
Official Support and Vision
Mourtala Ibrahim, Deputy Secretary General of the Zinder region, represented the governor at the forum, signaling strong official support for the youth initiative. Ibrahim emphasized the critical role of young people in societal well-being and the overall development trajectory of the region. He stated that social cohesion is not a static state but is built daily through consistent citizen engagement, particularly that of youth. He further articulated that young people are called to become a major actor in conflict prevention and the consolidation of living together within communities. Ibrahim's presence at the forum underlined official recognition of its objectives, noting the administration's view of youth as essential contributors to regional stability and development initiatives. His remarks reinforced the government's commitment to fostering an environment where young voices are heard and valued.
Partners and Future Outlook
The Mouvement des Jeunes pour la Paix et le Développement (MOJEPAD) organized the forum in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Population, a partnership that brought together civil society and government entities. This collaborative effort was key in ensuring the event's successful execution and broad reach. Organizers anticipate that the forum's intensive discussions will produce concrete and actionable recommendations for local authorities and development partners. These outcomes are expected to focus on strengthening existing listening centers, intensifying various awareness campaigns on critical issues, and increasing frameworks for dialogue among all stakeholders. The recommendations aim to guide future initiatives related to peace, development, and governance in the region, ensuring that the insights and proposals generated by the youth participants translate into tangible progress and positive change for the Zinder region.
