By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
London, United Kingdom — The Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC), in partnership with the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO) and the NAMYO Africa Forum, has successfully hosted the Diaspora Youth Information and Engagement Forum in London, bringing together African and Afro-Arab diaspora youth leaders, institutional representatives, and development stakeholders.
The hybrid forum, held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Fitzrovia Youth in Action’s Warren Center, served as a strategic platform to strengthen diaspora participation in regional and international development processes.
Supported by UK-based AiMedTech, the engagement focused on advancing youth leadership, strengthening institutional networks, and identifying practical pathways for diaspora youth involvement in global governance and cooperation frameworks.
Opening the forum, Mr. Bello Shagari, West Africa Coordinator of AAYC and Vice Chair for Africa Region at NAMYO, emphasized the importance of structured institutional collaboration in expanding opportunities for young people in the diaspora.
He described the AAYC–NAMYO partnership as a critical vehicle for inclusive youth engagement, urging stakeholders to move beyond conversations toward action-driven programming that delivers measurable outcomes for young people across regions.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Jacob Eyeru of NAMYO Uganda, who highlighted the growing influence of diaspora youth in shaping global youth agendas. He stressed the importance of organized leadership, cross-border solidarity, and sustained cooperation in promoting sustainable development initiatives.
A goodwill message from the Guest of Honour, Dr Abduljabar Hamza, further reinforced the importance of empowering diaspora youth, encouraging young people to actively utilize platforms that amplify youth voices within international decision-making spaces.
During the institutional briefing session, Ms. Fadimatou Iyawa, Secretary General (Francophone) of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, outlined AAYC’s mandate across Africa, the Arab world, and diaspora communities. She described diaspora youth as vital bridge-builders between regions and highlighted opportunities for engagement through leadership programs, thematic networks, and strategic partnerships.
In a similar presentation, Ms. Jessica Mahama, NAMYO Board Member and Tanzania Representative, explained NAMYO’s global structure and governance framework, calling on diaspora youth to actively participate in NAMYO initiatives and contribute to coordinated global youth advocacy.
An interactive engagement session allowed participants to share insights on collaboration challenges and opportunities. Discussions centered on strengthening youth networks, improving access to institutions, and co-creating initiatives that link diaspora communities with their countries of origin.
The forum concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Huzyfa Elhassan, Secretary General of AAYC, who reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to translating dialogue into concrete action through sustained partnerships and youth-led initiatives.
The event also received support from additional partners, including Sheraton Textiles and Karama Perfume, among others.
Newspot Nigeria reports that the London forum reflects a growing push to institutionalize diaspora youth engagement as a key pillar of global development, diplomacy, and cross-regional cooperation.
— Newspot Nigeria
