Stakeholders from across the world are converging in Accra as Ghana’s leading youth development organization, Youth Arise Organization (Y.A.O), hosts the inaugural Global Youth Workers Conference, taking place from June 2–6 at the GNAT Hall in Accra.
This first-of-its-kind gathering aims to strengthen youth work globally by providing a platform for collaboration, policy dialogue, and practical capacity-building.
The Global Youth Workers Conference brings together youth workers, educators, policymakers, researchers, NGOs, government institutions, and development partners to examine some of the most pressing issues affecting young people today. Key themes include rising youth unemployment, mental health challenges, the climate crisis, digital dependency, and the widening global skills gap.
A Multi-Sector Agenda for Global Impact
According to organizers, the conference will feature six thematic breakout sessions designed to spark innovation and deepen collaboration. These sessions will explore:
- Youth in Agribusiness
- The Future of STEM and Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Storytelling and New Media
- Youth, Peace, and Security
- Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship
- Youth and Mental Health
Each session will examine current gaps in the sector, highlight emerging global trends, and co-create practical solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Leadership and Vision for Youth Development
Founder and Global CEO of Youth Arise Organization, Moses Baffour Awuah, expressed strong optimism about the impact of the event. Known for championing youth leadership through initiatives such as the Leadership Diary Training Program (LDTP), Mr. Awuah described the conference as “a platform for critical dialogue that can shape the future of youth work globally.”
He emphasized that the conference is not only a knowledge-sharing space but also a call for collective action—encouraging governments, youth workers, and institutions to rethink their approaches toward youth empowerment in Africa and beyond.
Why the Conference Matters
The Global Youth Workers Conference is expected to:
- Strengthen the capacity of youth workers across Africa
- Foster global partnerships and knowledge exchange
- Provide practical tools for addressing youth unemployment and mental health
- Promote youth-led solutions and innovation
- Support the achievement of SDGs 4, 8, 9, 13, and 16
Participants will leave with new networks, action plans, and frameworks to improve youth work in their communities.