Representing more than 70% of the population of Djibouti, youth can play a crucial role in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Although they face many challenges, particularly unemployment, young people are full of assets and talents that should be developed. After the formulation of the Djibouti Vision 2035 by the government of Djibouti, the government devoted its previous five-year strategy to the fight against youth unemployment (SCAPE, Stratégie de Croissance Accéléré Pour l'Emploi).  The efforts made should be amplified.

In line with "Djibouti Vision 2035", and to contribute to national efforts, UNDP promotes the integration of youth in all its activities and initiatives, whether as beneficiaries, volunteers or partners.

For the second consecutive year, UNDP Djibouti, in partnership with the Arab Youth Center (AYC), has launched a program specifically dedicated to youth: "Youth Leadership Programme - YLP7" in order to further encourage Djiboutian youth to participate in the transposition of the 2030 Agenda in local, national and regional policies. With less than 9 years to go to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this program contributes to further involve youth as change makers within communities and for the future.  The originality of the program lies in the break with traditional approaches by working for human development and capacity building that will help strengthen progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Meet Fatouma Mohamed Barkat, UNDP Djibouti's youth delegate for the YLP.

My name is Fatouma Mohamed Barkat and I am the youth delegate for Djibouti for the YLP in partnership with the Arab Regional Office and the Arab Youth Center. As a Youth Development Delegate, I am the voice of young change-makers who act every day to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals to meet the needs of their communities. I make sure to represent the commitment of youth in carrying out their activities within the framework of YLP7. UNDP at both the national and regional levels, in partnership with the Arab Youth Center, enables them to build their capacity through training and awareness-raising.

Could you tell us more about the Youth Leadership Program?

The Youth Leadership Programme 7 is a program that directly impacts and engages youth as agents of change. YLP7 empowers youth and supports the idea that youth are essential to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their respective societies and for global peace efforts. The program provides training to youth through webinars and workshops on the environment, entrepreneurship, wellness and more. This year's YLP theme is Youth Mental Wellness and comes in an era marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does the partnership with Arab Youth Center represent?

This partnership with the Arab Youth Center bridges the gap between young people from all over the Arab region and allows young Djiboutians to benefit from training and unprecedented discussions relevant to them at a regional level.

How many associations are participating in YLP 7? 

This year, 5 associations joined us to be part of the program and represent the Djiboutian youth because they cover the whole territory: They are: Good planet Africa (GPA) which is based in Djibouti, Network of Associations of Randa (RAR) in Randa, Club of Young Entrepreneurs (CJED) which has offices in several regions of Djibouti, Femme TIC which is in Djibouti and Association for the Protection and Safeguard of the Environment of the Ali Sabieh Region (A.P.S.E.R.A.S). Through their own objectives of each association such as the defense of the environment, entrepreneurship and empowerment of women through new technologies, these associations have come together to carry out activities, alone or in groups, and engage Djiboutian youth in the achievement of the SDGs.

How important is the involvement of youth associations to you as a youth delegate?

 Civil society organizations are the showcase of Djibouti's youth and contribute to social cohesion and economic inclusion in the country. It was therefore important for us to include them and listen to their voice as an organization in programs that aim to build their capacity to empower them

What opportunities does the Youth Leadership program in partnership with the Arab Youth Center offer to a country like Djibouti?

Djibouti is one of the youngest countries in Africa and we are talking about nearly 70% of the population according to statistical estimates. In order to achieve a change of mentality and align with the principle of "leaving no one behind", it is essential to include Djibouti's youth in our reflections as actors of development, hopes in the resolution of current crises that we all know such as climate change. It would be a great success to include all young people regardless of their origins, their physical conditions, their level of education in the various youth projects that we carry out so that they participate in the development of Djibouti.