Youth@SAIIA took its third “Connecting Youth at Universities with G20” roadshow to the University of Sol Plaatje (SPU) in the Northern Cape on 16 June. This landmark date, commemorating the struggles and sacrifices of South African youth against apartheid, provided a powerful backdrop for empowering the next generation of leaders.
The roadshow, supported by the Australian High Commission, kicked off the week-long Kopano ya Dinaledi Leadership Programme, facilitated by SPU’s Student Affairs department. Participants, selected through a process considering academic excellence, leadership experience and motivation for social impact, are engaging in a comprehensive program combining expert-led masterclasses, thought-provoking dialogues and real-world outreach projects. Youth@SAIIA was privileged to engage with this talented group of young leaders at the start of their journey.
Dean Emphasises Youth’s Vital Role
In her welcome message, Nicole Morris, Dean of Student Affairs at SPU, thanked SAIIA for including Sol Plaatje University in this G20 outreach program. She emphasised the importance of allowing their students to play a meaningful role in platforms like these, which are not only relevant but also essential. “They provide young people with the opportunity to critically engage with global governance structures, propose solutions, and shape the future of international cooperation,” she stated. Morris affirmed that “the voices of youth must not be relegated to the margins; they belong at the very heart of global dialogue”.
Shaping Global Policy Through Youth Perspectives
Moeketsi Koahela, co-chairperson of the Y20 South Africa engagement group, delivered an insightful presentation. He introduced students to both the G20 and the Y20, the official youth platform of the G20. Koahela underscored the significance of the Y20 Pre-Summit taking place on 18-19 June 2025 and the subsequent Summit later in the year, highlighting their potential to shape global policy agendas through youth-led perspectives.
Mr. Koahela outlined five priority themes for the upcoming Y20 Summit: climate change and environmental sustainability; inclusive economic growth and employment; digital innovation and the future of work; meaningful youth engagement and multilateral reform; and inclusive social development. He noted that these themes reflect not only global challenges but also the developmental priorities of South Africa and the broader African continent.
Students Craft G20 Youth Statements
Following the presentation and engaging thematic panel discussions, SPU students participated in collaborative workshops to develop their own G20 Youth Statements. This exercise allowed them to add their voices to national youth consultations, directly contributing to South Africa’s official Y20 engagement process.
Building a Partnership with Youth@SAIIA
Donavan Fullard, Head of the Youth Programme at SAIIA, urged the 84 students present to join the Youth@SAIIA’s youth policy committee and establish an SPU cohort. He also extended an invitation for a sustainable partnership with the university, vowing to return and build upon this impactful inaugural visit.
Read the University of Sol Plaatje’s summary here.
For further information, please contact Donavan Fullard at Donavan.Fullard@saiia.org.za
