The Youth Forum on Cultural Heritage Preservation, initiated by the One and Indivisible Youth Movement of Djibouti (MJUID), kicked off on October 4, 2026, in Djibouti. The event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, aims to mobilize the country's youth around the preservation and transmission of national cultural heritage. The forum brings together over 200 young leaders from the capital and regions, with support from UNICEF.
The opening ceremony was attended by several institutional personalities and development partners, including a World Bank representative, the UNICEF representative in Djibouti, the UNESCO coordinator, and a technical advisor from the Ministry of Youth and Culture. The forum's primary objective is to engage Djibouti's youth in the preservation, valorization, and transmission of the country's cultural heritage, linking it to sustainable innovation and community development.
During the two-day event, participants will engage in interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, and consultation sessions to develop concrete proposals. The forum's agenda includes discussions on the importance of cultural heritage preservation, its connection to national identity, and its role in shaping the country's future. The participants will also explore ways to promote cultural heritage as a tool for sustainable development.
In his opening address, the President of MJUID emphasized the urgent need to empower young people to take responsibility for preserving and transmitting the country's traditions and history. He stressed that preserving cultural heritage is not just about looking back at the past but also about building a strong foundation for the future. The President highlighted the importance of a united and conscious youth in promoting a vibrant and sustainable Djiboutian culture.
The forum's activities are designed to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people for the preservation of Djibouti's cultural heritage. The event also aims to promote intergenerational dialogue and knowledge transfer, ensuring the transmission of cultural traditions to future generations. By engaging young leaders from across the country, the forum seeks to promote a sense of national unity and shared identity.
The Ministry of Youth and Culture, in collaboration with international partners, has been working to promote cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development in Djibouti. The forum is part of a broader effort to support the country's cultural sector and promote its rich cultural heritage. The event's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of a national strategy for cultural heritage preservation and promotion.
The Youth Forum on Cultural Heritage Preservation will conclude on October 5, 2026, with a final plenary session and the adoption of a set of recommendations and proposals. The event's results are expected to be presented to relevant authorities and stakeholders, with the aim of promoting the preservation and promotion of Djibouti's cultural heritage.
Key points
- Over 200 young leaders from across Djibouti gather to discuss cultural heritage preservation
- The forum aims to promote intergenerational dialogue and knowledge transfer
- The event is supported by international partners, including UNICEF and the World Bank
