The president of the Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) Moumouni Dialla called for focused and solution-driven discussions, urging young leaders from across the continent to actively contribute to addressing Africa's pressing challenges.Dialla in his speech at the opening of the 13th PYU Executive Committee Meeting in Swakopmund on Tuesday, pointed to the urgency of addressing current global dynamics and their impact on the African continent.He underscored the necessity of convening to discuss critical issues facing the organisation and outlined the institute's mission to reinforce its commitments to Africa's development.'It was necessary for the Pan-African Institute to meet once again and discuss personal matters, especially the state of our organisation, to see how we can continue and strengthen our engagements towards the African needs of our country,' he expressed.The PYU president further emphasised the organisation's dedication to youth empowerment, calling on young leaders to remain objective and solution-oriented as they deliberate on matters impacting Africa's future.PYU secretary general Wiisichong Bening Ahmed emphasised Namibia's significant contributions to youth development on the continent.He reflected on the country's legacy, acknowledging its role in the creation of the Africa Youth Charter, describing it as the entire blueprint that defines youth development on the continent.Ahmed highlighted the crucial role played by the late Mandela Kapere, who once served as PYU vice president during Namibia's early involvement in the union.'He played an extremely strategic role; deployed to Algeria as vice president. That became the defining point of your country playing a role in this. Decades since Kapere's legacy, Namibia remains a key player within the PYU, currently holding the vice-presidency for the southern African region,' he expressed.The three-day meeting hosted by Namibia through the National Youth Council, is statutory for PYU which is aimed as a platform to review and advance th e Africa Youth Charter, assess levels of youth inclusivity, and redefine government engagement with youth actors.Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope in his remarks underscored the importance of youth empowerment as a driving force for Africa's future.He said the meeting comes at a critical juncture when the continent faces both immense challenges and unprecedented opportunities such as unemployment, inequality, climate change, and digital transformation.'However, with challenges come opportunities to innovate, to lead, and to build the Africa we want,' he urged.Source: The Namibia Press Agency