From 13–16 September 2025, 70 young people from 33 countries gathered in Antananarivo, Madagascar, for the 10th Africa Scout Youth Forum under the theme “Living Together for Peace.”

Over three days, the Forum provided not only a unique opportunity for the young delegates to learn and share, but also to build a common understanding on key youth-specific issues while defining a bold path towards realising the World Scouting Strategy, a world shaped by young people.

Through workshops, intergenerational dialogue sessions, and discussions on youth leadership, advocacy, Scouting strategy, sustainable development, and peacebuilding, participants gained knowledge and skills to inspire positive change in their communities.

One of the highlights was the keynote address by UNICEF’s Representative in Madagascar, Ms Christine Jaulmes , who emphasised the need to move beyond tokenism and to view young people as equal participants in Africa’s development. This message resonated strongly with the delegates, who repeatedly called for meaningful youth participation in decision-making, especially in peacebuilding conversations where young people are disproportionately affected, yet rarely represented.

At the close of the Forum, the young delegates committed to lead with integrity and work toward a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. They presented recommendations to the Africa Scout Committee, partners, and National Scout Organizations,  which will be considered for adoption at the Africa Scout Conference that included the call to:

• Provide resources and platforms for youth-led initiatives.
• Strengthen collaboration with young people to make Scouting more inclusive and impactful.

The Forum also elected six new Youth Advisors to the Africa Scout Committee, tasked with ensuring that these recommendations are implemented and that the voices and aspirations of young people remain central to Scouting in Africa:

• Mr. Youssoufa Sali – Cameroon
• Mr. Mchangama Ben Ali – Comoros
• Mr. Diallo Aboubakr Siddik Abdou Samad – Côte d’Ivoire
• Mr. Kuyateh Momodou – The Gambia
• Ms. Ma Dalton Tetoi Sabine – Rwanda
• Mr. Benjamin Banda – Zambia

The Forum ended on a high note, not only as a space for learning, but also for building meaningful connections and shared agendas on youth issues. For many participants, it was a transformative experience. As one delegate reflected:

It was my first time attending a Youth Forum at the regional level, and I had the chance to meet other young people from across Africa. I leave with renewed energy to make a positive impact in my community, as this Forum awakened my passion for advocacy and youth leadership.”

The 10th Africa Scout Youth Forum reaffirmed that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but vital partners today, charting the way toward a more peaceful, inclusive, and youth-driven future for Scouting and for Africa.