Diplomacy and Africa

Diplomacy is the velvet glove that cloaks the fist of power" – Robin Hobb

In the past, Kenyan youth who constitute over 70% of the population have not been actively engaged in the designing, planning and implementation of policies that affect them at an individual and national level.  However, focus on the youth agenda over the years has given rise to an empowered Kenyan youth. Today, Kenyan youth are consciously aware of the critical role they play in matters leadership and economic development. Indeed, the dream has never been clearer, the calling has never been louder and the opportunities never as numerous. With a cultural vibrancy that is characterized by creativity, we are giving rise to a global movement founded on the validity of our dreams.  We are presented with the baton to sprint as change agents and shape the course of our lives and the lives of generations to come. Young people around the world should utilize this new global culture characterized by technology, innovation and new media as tools not just for socialization but for greater good; to bridge social differences, build sustainable nations, advance economic growth, promote democracy and political stability. This will demonstrate to the world our potential and influence in engineering a sense of stability, peace and unity across geographical, gender, age, racial or ethnic divides.

The upcoming Young Diplomats Forum, demonstrates the importance of building capacity among our youth. In a world where we witness the emergence of states, separated by geographical boundaries but bound by agreements and policies that prove the world is a global village, the forum presents a strategic opportunity for interaction and development of skills for future senior diplomats and leaders from across the globe. It aims to build a generation that is confident in voicing their contribution on development matters and to broaden their connection to influential stakeholders. This establishes grounds that substantiate the crucial role public management plays in the establishment and sustenance of mutually stable and progressive states; geographical boundaries offer states sovereignty but these same countries can be united by philosophies, mandates, visions and people. As a young African with a vision of facilitating and ensuring the progressive nature of states through diplomacy, policy making and development, my selection to attend and participate in this week-long event that will bring together aspiring young leaders from around the world to enhance and develop their skills in areas around international relations is an honor. This community of exceptionally bright and accomplished future leaders will gain further insight, tools and opportunities to engage with key stakeholders at a crucial time in their careers and broaden their connections to global leaders. As a Kenyan, my participation is a demonstration that African youth are ready for leadership and increasing awareness on our claim to be heard on the global stage is crucial, now more than ever.

African governments and enterprises need to place emphasis on productive engagement through youth participation and empowerment. The youth resent being marginalized in decision-making processes and the key principle that will aid Kenya achieve Vision 2030  is providing real opportunities for young people to express themselves and share ideologies. We want a better today not just tomorrow and thus the change we desire must begin with transforming our beliefs, values and attitudes and spreading the reform to the rest of society.  Let us engage and be part of a transformed generation that embodies love and knows no color, governance that knows no age and democracy that knows no race or ethnicity. 

Article was first published on Shaping African Conversations blog on 26th May 2016 http://shapingafricanconversations.weebly.com/blog/archives/05-2016