SAIIA at the Summit of the Future

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is proud to announce its participation in the landmark Summit of the Future, convened by the United Nations Secretary-General in New York from 20 to 24 September 2024. This pivotal gathering of world leaders aims to forge a renewed global consensus on securing a brighter future for all.

On Friday, 20th September, SAIIA will convene a high-level side event titled Building Foresight Competencies and Networks to Empower Youth Agency.

SAIIA and the African Union African Peer Review Mechanism (AU-APRM) in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth, Global Affairs Canada, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa, and the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) will showcase the transformative impact of African foresight-informed youth-led initiatives. This side event, scheduled for the first Action Day of the summit, will highlight how these initiatives are actively empowering youth agency and shaping a future that reflects their needs and aspirations.

SAIIA will showcase its ongoing research on youth and social justice futures, and Dr Njeri Mwagiru, Senior Researcher in our Futures Programme, will spearhead an interactive session utilising the Futures Literacy Laboratory (FLL) and the Three Horizons Framework (THF) foresight methodology and tool. This dynamic session will delve into how considering alternative futures can contribute to developing better responsive long-term strategies for member states, policymakers and youth representatives.

The event will also feature a high-level ministerial segment with government representatives from South Africa, Nigeria and Namibia. This dialogue will explore the critical role of African youth peer-learning networks in fostering youth agency, amplifying their voices and addressing their needs within the framework of intergenerational fairness.

Speakers scheduled for this side event include:

Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, SAIIA
H.E. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
Amb. Marie-Rose Quatre, CEO, APRM Continental Secretariat
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth in Nigeria
Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology in Namibia
Amb. Fatima Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United Nations (tbc)
Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa

SAIIA’s participation in the Summit of the Future reflects its dedication to driving positive change through research, dialogue and advocacy. By championing youth agency, leadership and foresight, SAIIA is actively contributing to shaping a future that is inclusive, resilient and responsive to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Journalists are welcome to attend – please register here.

Media inquiries

To arrange interviews with our experts, please contact media@saiia.org.za.

Relevant research from SAIIA