Mina Okuru

Chairperson of the AU Commission Appoints Vanessa Nakate of Uganda as Special Envoy for Youth. The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa Nakate of Uganda as his Special Envoy for Youth. The Chairperson @ymahmoudali congratulates Ms. Nakate on her appointment and commends her outstanding contributions to climate justice, environmental advocacy and youth mobilisation. Her work in amplifying the voices of young people, particularly from Africa and the Global South, has helped elevate the urgency of climate action and underscored the importance of ensuring that young people are meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their present and future. Commenting on the appointment, the Chairperson stated: “Africa’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are indispensable partners in shaping the continent’s future today. Vanessa Nakate’s record of advocacy for climate justice and her commitment to amplifying young people’s voices make her well placed to help strengthen the African Union’s engagement with youth across the continent.” The Chairperson also expressed his appreciation to the AU selection panel for its diligence, professionalism and thorough due diligence throughout the selection process. He noted that a rigorous and transparent selection process is essential to identifying individuals with the experience, integrity and commitment needed to advance the Union’s priorities. The Chairperson looks forward to working closely with Ms. Nakate to deepen the African Union’s engagement with young people and ensure that their perspectives and aspirations inform the Union’s policies and programmes. “We must continue to create meaningful opportunities for young Africans to participate in decision-making, contribute to solutions and shape the policies that affect their lives. I look forward to working with Ms. Nakate to further strengthen this partnership between the African Union and the continent’s youth,” he added. The appointment reaffirms the AU's commitment to placing young people at the centre of Africa’s development and recognising them as essential partners in advancing the continent’s aspirations for peace, integration, prosperity and sustainable development. It also highlights the importance of youth leadership in addressing the climate crisis and promoting a more just and sustainable future for Africa. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleases/2026…