At the opening of the event, Denise Antonio, UNDP Resident Representative in Angola, reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the strengthening of justice systems and the development of gender and child observatories, which are essential for improving institutional accountability and informing evidence-based public policies.

She also emphasised the importance of youth voices in institutional processes, noting that young women are not only rights-holders but also leaders and agents of transformation.

The Forum brought together judges from African constitutional courts, representatives of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, government officials and international experts. Discussions addressed the role of constitutional courts in protecting fundamental rights, the need for legislative harmonisation and stronger cooperation across jurisdictions.

Angolan authorities highlighted national efforts to strengthen child protection and the empowerment of young women through legal reforms, social policies and education programmes, as well as the ratification of key regional and international instruments.

Debates underscored persistent challenges affecting young women and children across the continent, including harmful practices, inequalities in access to essential services and barriers to justice, particularly in contexts where institutional capacity and data systems remain limited.

A central focus of the Forum was the need to reduce the gap between legal frameworks and their practical implementation. In this regard, participants emphasised the importance of coordination between judicial decisions, public policy, financing and information systems.