United Nations African Policy Innovation Fellowship
Background: In response to the call for action voiced in resolutions and , the United Nations is poised to launch a groundbreaking initiative: the Fellowship for Young Africans at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This initiative aims to address the structural inequalities that plague Africa's development trajectory, as outlined in the reports of the Secretary-General.
Addressing the Need: Resolution , paragraph 287, underscores the necessity of initiatives aimed at promoting youth inclusion and enhancing institutional capacities in policy analysis, design, and monitoring. The Fellowship program aligns directly with this mandate, offering young Africans unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development. By bridging the gap between policy formulation at the global level and implementation at the national level, this program lays the foundation for sustainable development and peacebuilding in Africa.
Vision of the Fellowship: The Fellowship for Young Africans at UNHQ envisions a future where Africa's youth are not merely beneficiaries of development initiatives but active architects of change. It seeks to foster a generation of leaders who are well-versed in policy analysis and implementation and deeply committed to advancing the values of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. Through collaborative learning, mentorship, and exposure to global best practices, the Fellowship aims to cultivate a cadre of empowered individuals who will champion sustainable development and peacebuilding efforts in their respective countries and beyond. This vision is rooted in the belief that investing in Africa's youth today sows the seeds for a more prosperous and equitable tomorrow, where every individual has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Modality of Implementation: Oversight of administrative and coordination aspects will be conducted by the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), aligning with its mandate to address the root causes of development and peace challenges on the continent, aligned with the :
- Financing for Development: Address access to financing, combat illicit financial flows, enhance international tax cooperation, engage credit rating agencies, and reduce the cost of remittances.
- Sustainable Development to Promote É«¿âTV: Promote inclusive and equitable institutional practices, counter conflict economies, and build cohesive, diverse societies as a driving force for peace.
- Democracy, Resilience, and Human Capital: Place human capital at the center of policymaking in Africa towards resilient societies.
- Science, Technology, and Innovation: Close the gap on digital literacy and the digital divide; tackle intellectual property rights to achieve leapfrog development.
- Industrialization, Demographic Dividend, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Harness the demographic dividend to stimulate industrialization through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
- Energy and Climate Action: Address Africa¡¯s energy mix, climate change, green growth, energy transition, and environmental policies.
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.