Its open! The Opening ceremony

Youth spoke out today of their pride in their countries and continent during a colourful opening ceremony at the Africa Hall of the Economic Commission for Africa (United Nations Building). Representatives from each of the 12 participating countries (with the exception of the Liberians as at that point, they were into their 16th hour in visa negotiations at the airport) took to the podium and shared something of their heritage and hopes. They were joined by youth reps from YMCA global partners who are attending.

Some taught the group greetings in their local languages and the vuvuzela (1) was blown, a circus act performed and a really vibey band had participants dancing. Wow! Who would have thought this could happen in this hall – the very place our African leaders decided on the formation of the African Union!

The official part of the ceremony was really good too. It was officiated by the patron of the YMCA who is the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abba Paulos, and also the President of the World Council of Churches. He urged youth participants to use their time to produce fuitful results for our future generation.

Youth Minister Aster Mamo spoke of the importance of synergising and harmonising programmes and resources under the National Youth Policy in Ethiopia. She encouraged the YMCA to sustain its activities for youth impact.

Dr Berhanu Tadesse, President of the Ethiopia YMCA, spoke about the need to transform our youth from spectators to players and from mere subjects to citizens. He said transformative change will come through providing space for dialogue, open and transparent communication and building the capacity to tolerate and accommodate new ideas and differences.

Carlos Sanvee, General Secretary of the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, said our problem in Africa is not just one of leadership – but actually more one of followership. He gave a great illustration – read it in another comment on the blog about the ‘sheep experiment’.

1. Used at soccer matches, it emits a really loud and authentically African sound to show appreciation and encouragement for the team you are supporting.