In August 2025, the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) will be held in Yokohama, with “Youth Participation” highlighted as one of the key themes. 

In response to this, two youth-led organizations—the Africa Asia Youth Network (AAYN) and the Africa Diaspora Network Japan (ADNJ)—have launched the “TICAD9 Youth Policy Proposal Project” with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. 

To date, more than 900 young people from Japan and Africa have taken part in this initiative. Through engaging with the challenges their regions face and working together through co-creative dialogue and cooperation, they have developed a policy proposal titled Youth Agenda 2055 – The Future We Want. 

Youth TICAD 2025 will serve as the platform to present this proposal to the world and take the next steps toward its realization. 

Event Overview: 

• Dates: Monday, August 18 – Wednesday, August 20, 2025 

• Venue: JICA Yokohama / Pacifico Yokohama (held in the same city and during the same period as TICAD9) 

• Eligibility: Youth aged 15–39 who are leading or participating in projects in one or more of the following fields: Agriculture, Energy, ICT, Education, Climate Change, Entrepreneurship, and Governance. 

• Languages: Japanese and English 

• Organized by: Youth TICAD 2025 Executive Committee 

• Co-organizers: UNDP, JICA, UNV 

Youth TICAD 2025 Official Website

Timeline of the "TICAD9 Youth Policy Proposal Project": 

1. Youth Survey (February 2024 – May 2024) 

2. Breakout Sessions (July 2024 – August 2024) 

3. Youth TICAD Conference (February 2025) 

4. Stakeholder and Expert Dialogues (January 2025 – February 2025) 

5. Youth Action Plan Development & Youth TICAD as a Platform for Co-Creation (August 2025) 

6. Presentation at TICAD9 Official Thematic Event (August 2025) 

7. Post-TICAD9 Monitoring (from August 2025 onward) 

Planned Event Program: 

1. Youth Agenda Simulation 

• Dates: August 18–19 (tentative) 

• Venue: JICA Yokohama 

• Participants: 100 youth participants from Japan and Africa (50 from Africa, 50 from Japan) 

• Program Highlights: 

• Discussions within five thematic working groups: Society, Economy, Peace and Stability, People-to-People Exchange, and Sustainability. 

• Formulation of a co-creative action declaration aimed at implementing the policy proposals 

• Guest lectures by experts 

• Fieldwork activities in and around the city of Yokohama (tentative)  

2. 3rd Youth Drive 

• Date: August 20 (daytime, tentative) 

• Venue: Pacifico Yokohama 

• Participants: Open to both Youth TICAD participants and the general public 

• Program Highlights: 

• Held as a TICAD9 official thematic event 

• Presentation of Youth Agenda 2055 and outcomes from the Youth Agenda Simulation 

• Panel discussion on the theme: “Intergenerational Dialogue and Collaboration” 

3. Cultural Evening 

• Date: August 20 (evening, tentative) 

• Venue: JICA Yokohama 

• Participants: Approximately 400 attendees, including Youth TICAD participants, Model AU participants, former JICA Volunteers, and others 

• Program Highlights: 

• A cultural and artistic exchange event between youth from Africa and Japan 

• Participants are encouraged to wear traditional attire 

• Performances featuring music, dance, fashion shows, poetry, and more 

• Creating a space for heartfelt connection that transcends language barriers 

Vision: 
To reflect the voices of youth from Japan and Africa in the TICAD process, while strengthening connections between African and Japanese youth, as well as across generations, to foster co-creation for a sustainable future on both sides. 

Mission: 
To provide a platform where young people can engage in policymaking and share their initiatives with the world, supporting the realization of Youth Agenda 2055.  

Three Reasons to Join Youth TICAD 2025: 

1. Connect with Changemakers: 
   Meet and engage with inspiring leaders and changemakers from both Africa and Japan. 

2. Be a Bridge Between Japan and Africa: 
   Contribute to building strong Japan–Africa relations through policy dialogue and cultural exchange. 

3. Drive Global Change: 
   Seize the opportunity to share your ideas with world leaders at TICAD 9, one of the most influential development forums of 2025.  

How to Apply: 

Participation requires a two-step application process: 

1. Step 1: Submit the Primary Application Form (Basic Information) 

2. Step 2: Submit the Secondary Application Form (for selected applicants only – Project Proposal) 

Deadline: Sunday, June 15, 2025 

👉 Apply here 

Contact: 
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at the email address below. 

youthticad2025@gmail.com 

Note: 
This is an unpaid activity, and no employment relationship with UNDP will be established.