Tayebwa Calls for Youth-Centered OACPS-EU Partnership

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has urged for a more inclusive and equitable partnership between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), with a particular focus on amplifying the voices of young people and marginalised communities in decisions that affect their future.

Youth at the Heart of Development

Tayebwa, who serves as President of the OACPS and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, emphasised that young people must be central to development discussions, especially on climate change, natural resource management, and job creation.

“If we are talking about climate adaptation, we are talking about young people. If we are talking about critical raw materials giving more value to the countries producing them, we are talking about young people because they are the ones going to get the jobs out of this,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker made these remarks during a recent event in Brussels, where he also met with Chair MEP Francisco Assis to discuss strengthening the OACPS-EU partnership.

Inclusive Partnership for Sustainable Development

Tayebwa's call for inclusivity comes at a critical time when the OACPS-EU partnership is being redefined to address global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and youth unemployment. He stressed that the partnership must ensure that no one is left behind, particularly the youth who constitute a significant portion of the population in OACPS countries.

“We need to create an environment where young people can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. This means investing in education, skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities,” Tayebwa added.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the importance of value addition to raw materials produced in OACPS countries, which could generate employment opportunities for young people. He argued that processing raw materials locally would not only create jobs but also boost economic growth and reduce dependency on foreign markets.

Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation

As Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Tayebwa has been a vocal advocate for stronger parliamentary cooperation between the two regions. He believes that parliaments play a crucial role in ensuring that policies are inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens.

During his meeting with Chair MEP Francisco Assis, Tayebwa discussed ways to enhance dialogue and collaboration between OACPS and EU parliamentarians. They agreed on the need for regular exchanges and joint initiatives to address common challenges.

The OACPS-EU partnership, established under the Cotonou Agreement and now guided by the Samoa Agreement, aims to promote sustainable development, human rights, and democratic governance. With Tayebwa's push for greater youth representation, the partnership is poised to become more dynamic and forward-looking.

Looking Ahead

As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the role of young people in shaping a sustainable future cannot be overstated. Tayebwa's advocacy for their inclusion in decision-making processes is a step towards a more equitable and prosperous partnership between OACPS and the EU.

With his leadership, the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly is expected to champion youth-focused policies and initiatives, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and acted upon.