By Dibora Tameru
World YMCA Change Agent, YMCA Ethiopia
In October, I had the opportunity to participate in five programmes in Ethiopia that highlighted how young people are advancing skills, health, peace and digital advocacy. Below are highlights from each event.
Africa Skills Week 2025, AU Headquarters (13-17 October)
Can you imagine the potential of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in driving Africa’s transformation? At Africa Skills Week 2025, I witnessed youth-led projects and startups leveraging technology, renewable energy, and digital solutions to transform agriculture, education, and industries while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Human capital remains Africa’s most transformative asset.
Scientific evidence shows that countries investing in skills development and technical innovation achieve higher productivity, faster industrial growth, and greater social resilience. As we celebrate Africa Skills Week, let us recognise that skills are the catalyst linking knowledge to innovation and opportunity, driving sustainable industries, green transitions, and inclusive prosperity across the continent.
6th National Adolescent and Youth Health Forum, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (9 October)
I was thrilled to celebrate the 6th National Adolescent and Youth Health Forum at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia on 8-9 October. The theme, “United for Action: Strong Collaboration to End Age Pregnancy”, set the stage for critical discussions with esteemed keynote speakers, including:
- Mengestu, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia Board
- James, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Maramawit, Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia Maternal and Child Health
- Gemachu Abu, MD, NAYH President
- Dereje Deguma, Ministry of Health
I was honoured to receive a certificate in Adolescent and Youth Health from the Ministry of Health, reflecting my commitment to this vital area.
YMCA Peacemakers YPS Exchange (12-19 October)
I participated in the 2025 YPS Peace Networking Event in Addis Ababa, celebrating a decade of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda. This event brought together 26 young leaders from Africa and Europe, fostering dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration with policymakers at the African Union.
My key takeaways from the exchange included:
- Young people as Change Agents: we play a pivotal role in peacebuilding and advocacy.
- Networking and Experience Sharing: engaging with diverse perspectives strengthened our resolve.
- Skills Development: We focused on messaging related to peace and addressing radicalisation through mentorship.
- Tools for Action: emphasising gratitude as a tool for collaboration and committing to mutual learning.
- Commitment to Action: the exchange reignited my motivation to lead peace initiatives in our communities.
- Reflection and Growth: true peacebuilding starts from within, highlighting the importance of self-awareness.
I am eager to apply these lessons in my ongoing efforts toward fostering peace.
YMCA Ethiopia 75th Anniversary event (7 October)
I was honoured to attend the event in Addis Ababa, with a programme that featured inspiring keynote addresses from:
- Befekadu Bezabih, MPA, MDE, MSC, PMP® and Mrs. Nirina, representing the Africa YMCA
- Otto Vainio, President of YMCA Finland
- Ms. Sophia Stephan, Head of Press and Cultural Section at the German Embassy
We also engaged in a panel discussion titled “75 Years of Change: The Quest for Space, Skill & Opportunity in Ethiopian Youth Empowerment,” moderated by Assoc. Prof. Solomon Markoo, National Board Member.
I was so excited to be part of this meaningful event focused on empowering our youth!
Tech Forum Agenda: TFGBV & TikTok (2 October)
I had the privilege of attending an insightful event focused on public policy and human rights, organised by the Centre for Information Resilience. The gathering featured remarkable speakers including Nadine Naguib and Felicity Mulford, and emphasised the importance of advocacy for marginalised voices.
The day began with welcome remarks from Tholoana Ncheke-Mahlaela of TikTok, followed by presentations from passionate advocates such as:
- Ourji Biso Bekele, Ethiopian Women Human Rights Defenders Network
- Selamawit Tereza Chaka, SheSecure
- Kiya Ali, Article 35
- Hildane Endale, Editors Guild Ethiopia
- Felicity Fekele, Plan International
- Hana Lemma, Addis Powerhouse
A strategic dialogue workshop led by EdiLawt Dereje (Edle) and Bava Abdulgafor provided invaluable insights that I look forward to implementing in my work.
This event highlighted the significance of collaboration and empathy in advocacy, deepening my understanding of the challenges we face and inspiring me to contribute actively toward a more inclusive future. A heartfelt thank you to TikTok and the Centre for Information Resilience for this opportunity.