Dates: October 7–9, 2025
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Youth make up a crucial part of the population in Southern and Eastern Africa. Including their voices in governance is not just desirable — it is essential. The ICLD Alumni Conference 2025 brings together local governments, researchers, alumni, civil society, and development practitioners to explore how to translate policies into real, impactful action for child and youth inclusion.
Key Topics
- Children, youth, and climate change
- Youth and urban safety; child rights in public spaces
- Youth and media; the role of youth influencers
- Youth and the Sustainable Development Goals
- Youth participation in decision-making spaces
- Children and health promotion
Program Overview
Day 1:
An open event featuring keynote speeches, inspiring panel discussions, and networking opportunities. This day will gather 100 attendees from academia, local governments, civic organizations, and political arenas. It will conclude with a high-level networking reception hosted by the Ambassador of Sweden to Zambia.
Days 2 & 3:
Workshops and in-depth sessions for invited participants (~40), offering practical tools and methods for strengthening child and youth inclusion at the local level. This is where we get down to the nitty-gritty and you can expect to leave equipped with skills and methods ready to implement.
Conference Highlights
- High-level opening ceremony and Keynote speeches from Mayors, Youth leaders, and leading researchers
- Panel discussions on challenges and opportunities in youth inclusion
- Development of “The Lusaka Declaration” – an evidence-based call to action for the community of practise
- Media engagement on key messages
- Networking sessions and cross-sectoral exchanges
- Sharing of good practices such as Youth Councils, SDG Clubs, and Child Rights Ambassadors
Expected Outcomes
- Strengthened research and policy linkages
- Broader implementation of successful youth engagement practices
- Enhanced South-South cooperation and exchanges
- Stronger community of practice around youth inclusion
- A collective Lusaka Declaration to advocate for greater child and youth participation in local governance
Organizers
This conference is organized by the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) in partnership with the Center for Urban Research and Planning at the University of Zambia, and with support from the Embassy of Sweden and the Swedish Institute.
Who will attend:
- Local government representatives prominent results in the field och child- and youth inclusion
- University partners and researchers
- Civil society organizations
- Alumni of ICLD programmes
- Youth advocates and influencers
- Local government associations
- International organizations
Join us in Lusaka to co-create a future where children and youth are true partners in shaping our democracy!
Application for ICLD Alumni
We welcome applications from ICLD alumni who are passionate about youth inclusion and active in local governance, research, civil society, or community initiatives. Eligible countries are:
– Kenya
– Tanzania
– Uganda
– Zambia
– Botswana
– Zimbabwe
– South Africa
Cost: ICLD covers airfare, accommodation and conference fee for selected alumni. No per diem can be issued.
How to Apply: Submit your application by filling in the form.
You will be asked to include a letter of support from a manager or similar.
Participants will be selected based on the potential to contribute to positive change in the sphere of child- and youth inclusion in local governance. ICLD and UNZA also strive for a diversity with regards to gender, age, location, level of seniority and role.
Application deadline: May 20th
Are you not an ICLD alumn but want to participate in the conference? Are you a youth leader, a skilled faciliator or an NGO working for youth? Do you have important contributions to a panel discussion?
Contact clara.orstadius@icld.se!
