Maryam Bukar Appointed African Union Youth Envoy
Nigerian youth advocate and spoken word artist Maryam Bukar Hassan has been appointed as the Official African Union (AU) Youth Envoy, a role aimed at strengthening youth participation in governance, policy formulation and continental development initiatives across Africa.
In her new capacity, Maryam is expected to serve as a vital bridge between young Africans and African Union institutions, promoting meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes rather than symbolic representation.
The office of the Youth Envoy will advocate greater youth participation in policymaking, peacebuilding, governance and other continental initiatives while supporting the implementation of the African Youth Charter, Agenda 2063, and the 1 Million Next Level Initiative.
According to the African Union, the Youth Envoy’s programme will connect young people across the continent to opportunities in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, employment, health and wellness, with the goal of expanding economic and social opportunities for Africa’s youth.
Maryam is also expected to strengthen collaboration among AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, youth organisations, civil society groups, development partners, the private sector, creative industries and the African diaspora to mobilise resources, promote youth-led innovations and improve accountability in youth-focused programmes.
As part of her mandate, she will amplify the voices of young peacebuilders, women, rural youth, internally displaced persons, young people living with disabilities, entrepreneurs and creatives, while advocating increased youth participation in civic engagement, election observation, climate action and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The African Union noted that strategic communication, culture and storytelling will form key pillars of her engagement strategy, making the continental body more accessible and relevant to young Africans.
The appointment is expected to strengthen the AU’s efforts to translate the African Youth Agenda into practical outcomes by ensuring that representation is matched with accountability and measurable impact for young people across the continent.
Maryam Bukar Appointed African Union Youth Envoy