About us

Arab & African Youth Council

The Arab & African Youth Council is a broad, dynamic space where young people from more than 60 Arab and African countries come together to shape their future through the power of collective action. It brings together youth energy and the expertise of youth institutions across the region, forming an international platform that launches initiatives, nurtures creativity, and builds new bridges between Arabs and Africans. In a fast-changing world, the Council exists to give young people a present voice and an active role. Through international events, cultural exchange programs, and innovative development initiatives, it provides a real environment for learning, openness, and impact—where ideas become projects, ambitions turn into opportunities, and connections grow into cross-border partnerships. This Council is not just an organization… It is a wide youth-driven space that sparks enthusiasm, celebrates a shared identity, and paves the way for a generation capable of shaping a more connected and inspiring Arab–African future.

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Core values

Principles that guide our long-term impact.

Sustainability

Practical solutions mindful of social and environmental impact.

Innovation

Turning fresh ideas into scalable initiatives.

Youth Empowerment

Providing Arab and African youth with opportunities and tools to enhance participation in development and decision-making.

Rights Advocacy

Protecting youth rights and ensuring justice and equal opportunities.

Arab–African Cooperation

Strengthening ties and building strategic partnerships that serve youth across both regions.

Participation & Representation

Representing youth from over 60 countries and ensuring their voices are heard globally.

Sustainable Development

Developing programs and initiatives that foster economic, social, and cultural growth for youth.

Institutional Work

Commitment to structure, organization, and good governance through assemblies and specialized committees.

Inclusivity & Diversity

Embracing youth from all Arab and African regions—including the diaspora—while respecting cultural and linguistic diversity.

Innovation & Initiative

Encouraging entrepreneurship, creativity, and impactful youth-led projects.

Capacity Building

Developing youth skills in training, sports, media, and languages to meet future demands.

Women Empowerment

Supporting the participation of Arab and African women and enabling their leadership roles.

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Our Story

The Arab & African Youth Council was born from a real need for a platform that brings together the energy of young people across the Arab and African worlds under one umbrella—one shared vision and a unified voice capable of creating change. At a time when political, economic, and social challenges were holding back the aspirations of millions of youth, the Council emerged as a bridge connecting continents and giving young people a space for expression, participation, and innovation. Since its establishment, the Council has brought together representatives from around 60 Arab and African countries, as well as youth in the diaspora, to build a wide international network dedicated to supporting youth rights and advocating for their causes. Through an integrated organizational structure—led by the General Assembly, the Executive Committee, regional coordinations, and specialized committees—the Council has developed an institutional model that strengthens transparency, deepens cooperation, and opens new horizons for sustainable development. Our story is a story of belief in youth— belief in their ability to lead, to create, and to build a future worthy of their potential. A story that begins with Arabs and Africans… and extends to the world. We are here to listen, to empower, to unite efforts, and to transform youth energy into achievements that create real and lasting impact. This is our story… the story of young people shaping tomorrow.

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Vision & Mission

Vision To be the most influential Arab and African youth platform in empowering young people, developing leadership, and strengthening cooperation and sustainable development among countries across the Arab and African worlds.

Mission To unify the efforts of youth in more than 60 countries, advocate for their rights, and empower them politically, economically, socially, and culturally through an institutional framework that includes training, media, sports, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and the building of supportive regional and international partnerships for youth and development.

Milestones

A flowing line and a progress dot that follows your scroll.

2004 — Foundation

The Arab & African Youth Council officially launched following the first Arab & African Youth Festival hosted by Sudan in March 2004.

2004–2017 — Arab & African Youth Festival Editions

Festivals were held in: - Khartoum (2004) - Cairo (2008) - Kampala (2010) - Khartoum (2017) With participation from 22+ countries.

2008–2017 — Expanding Youth Events

Conferences and seminars addressed key issues such as: - Terrorism & extremism - Irregular migration - Unemployment - Social peace

2014–2020 — Afrabia Award for Creativity & Excellence

The award launched and ran 4 editions, engaging 5000+ young people and honoring 300+ Arab & African creators.

2022 — Headquarters Agreement Approved

The Council obtained full privileges granted to international organizations under the headquarters agreement signed with the Government of Sudan.

Previous Years — Building the Organizational Structure

Established: - General Conference - Advisory Council - Executive Committee (20 countries) - Regional Coordinations (9) - Specialized Committees (6: Training, Women, Sports, Media, Entrepreneurship, Funding)

Major Programs — Ongoing

• Capacity-building programs • Youth forums • Cultural exchange programs • Humanitarian initiatives • Participation in international forums • Afrabia Olympiad • Music for Peace Festival — Juba

Future Projects

- Enhancing the Afrabia Award by integrating technology & AI - Afrabia Library Project - Arab-African Youth City Project

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Participating Countries
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Afrabia Award Participants
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Honored Creators
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Countries in Major Festivals & Events
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Countries in the Executive Committee
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Regional Coordinations

Gallery

Snapshots from our journey.

Partners

Proud of collaborations that make a difference.

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FAQ

Everything you wonder about our work.

You can join easily through the Membership page on the website: choose the suitable membership type and complete the official form. You can also follow the website and social media pages to see open programs and apply directly.

Yes. Participation is open to youth across Arab and African countries, in addition to African youth in the diaspora, depending on membership requirements or the type of activity.

Yes. The Council regularly announces opportunities for support, funding, and training for youth projects and initiatives through its specialized committees’ programs.

You can apply through the website under the available membership categories: - Full Membership - Honorary Membership - Observer Membership - Volunteer Membership

Yes. The Council organizes international activities such as: - Arab & African Youth Festival - Afrabia Olympiad - Youth forums - Cultural exchange programs

The Council uses Arabic, English, and French as official working languages in its activities.

Yes. Participation or attendance certificates are issued depending on the type of event and training program.

Regional coordinations are present in: Tunisia, Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Chad, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Austria.

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