Heads of State and Government of the African Union and of the European Union discussed future of young Africans
The main theme in the two-day African Union - European Union Summit that started on 29 November in Côte d'Ivoire was the future of African youth. Before the actual Summit, the Heads of State and Government met both European and African young people.
In his speech in the Summit, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä underlined the importance of education and economic opportunities.
"The future of our two continents depends on the youth. We should put all our efforts into eradicating youth unemployment in Africa as well as in Europe. Young people must be given an outlook for the future", Sipilä said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the status of girls and women in society.
"Finland celebrates its 100 years of independence this year. Throughout our history women have played an active role both in political decision making and in working life. No nation in the world can afford to waste half of its capacity. Girls’ equal rights and equal access to education are the key to sustainable development", noted Sipilä in his speech.
This time the Prime Minister’s delegation included a young person selected by Allianssi, an umbrella organisation for youth organisations. Having a youth representative, Tuomas Tikkanen, Chair of JEF Finland (Eurooppanuoret), at the Summit on the future of youth raised a lot of positive interest in Finland.
The Prime Minister held bilateral negotiations with President Farmaajo of Somalia in connection with the Summit. President Farmaajo thanked Finland for its good cooperation with Somalia and hoped that the two countries could improve educational opportunities for young Somalis.
Prime Minister Sipilä’s Speech
More information on the African Union – European Union Summit
Inquiries: Jani Raappana, Special Adviser (international affairs), tel. +358 50 566 7889, Prime Minister's Office; Martti Eirola, Senior Adviser (Africa policy), tel. +358 50 5771123, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office