Dr. Fatih Boutebik, President of the African Parliament, has stressed that empowering youth and involving them in decision-making is essential for reforming institutions and achieving a continental renaissance. He made these remarks during a meeting organized by the "Mouchal Chahid" association in coordination with the newspaper "El Moudjahid" in Algiers. The event marked African Youth Day and the 72nd anniversary of the Algerian liberation revolution.
In his speech, Dr. Boutebik highlighted the significance of combining tribute to the liberation generation with a vision for the future of rising generations. He emphasized that the November revolution, with youth at the forefront, has inspired African liberation movements and promoted values of freedom, dignity, and sovereignty. The President of the African Parliament underscored that today's youth are responsible for completing the liberation journey through knowledge acquisition, economic development, technological advancement, and strengthening African unity.
Dr. Boutebik noted that investing in education, training, decent work, and innovation should be coupled with the active participation of youth in setting priorities and shaping policies, in line with the aspirations of the African Union's Agenda 2063. He presented his reform vision for the seventh legislative term, focusing on strengthening governance and effectiveness, developing parliamentary diplomacy, and consolidating cooperation with national and regional parliaments.
The President of the African Parliament emphasized the central role of youth parliamentarians in this process by enhancing the role of youth gatherings and expanding opportunities for training, experience exchange, and joint initiatives. He announced plans to organize a continental conference for African youth parliamentarians to discuss their role in renewing parliamentary work and promoting political participation, parliamentary diplomacy, and continental integration.
Dr. Boutebik highlighted the importance of openness to soft diplomacy tools, including culture, knowledge, media, education, and innovation, and strengthening communication with universities, research centers, cultural and media institutions, and civil society. This approach aims to support convergence among peoples, promote a shared African identity, and enhance the continent's presence on the international stage.
The meeting included a tribute to the family of the late Mujahid, Djaloul Melaika, and the President and General Manager of the newspaper "El Moudjahid" and President of the "Mouchal Chahid" association. This gesture honored the sacrifices of the revolution generation and recognized efforts to preserve national memory and transmit its values to future generations.
Dr. Boutebik concluded by emphasizing that genuine tribute to the liberation generation is demonstrated by rising to the responsibilities of nation-building, making the spirit of November a renewed source of inspiration, and youth a force for renaissance, institutional reform, and soft diplomacy to strengthen unity, integration, and peace.
Key points
- Dr. Fatih Boutebik calls for youth empowerment and participation in decision-making for parliamentary reform and African development.
- The African Parliament plans to organize a continental conference for youth parliamentarians to promote their role in parliamentary work and continental integration.
- Dr. Boutebik emphasizes the importance of investing in education, training, and innovation, coupled with youth participation in setting priorities and shaping policies.
