Welcome to a special webinar highlighting innovative practices for meaningful youth inclusion and child rights in local democracy.
During the session, Mayors and practitioners in the African context share concrete tools and experiences, such as youth councils and capacity-building programmes, showing how municipalities can engage young people as active partners in decision-making and community development.
Watch the recording to explore how youth participation strengthens democracy from the local level up!
Panelists
Lucky Godfrey Sele
Executive Mayor of Mogale City, South Africa
Councillor Lucky Godfrey Sele serves as the Executive Mayor of Mogale City Local Municipality. He brings extensive experience across provincial and local government spheres, including youth development and SALGA leadership. A former student activist, he holds qualifications in governance and management from North West University and Wits Business School, respectively.
H.E Stephen Munania
Deputy Governor of Murang’a Municipality, Kenya
The Deputy Governor of Murang’a, Kenya, is 29 years and as a young dynamic leader, brings a wealth of experience in public service, diplomacy, and community development. His commitment to youth empowerment has shaped his vision for Murang’a County’s growth and development.
Annika Reyes Rigö
Deputy Secretary General of the Christian Democratic International Center (KIC), Sweden
Annika has extensive experience in promoting youth political participation, particularly as a coordinator for the Program for Young Politicians in Africa (PYPA). Her work focuses on empowering young leaders, strengthening democratic values, and fostering inclusive political engagement across regions.
Mayor Kanungwe Chota
Mayor of Kanchibiya Town Council,
Vice President, Local Government Association of Zambia
Kanungwe Chota Kanyanyamina was elected Mayor o in 2021 at the age of 27, making her the youngest female mayor in Zambia. She is an alumni of ICLD Women in Political Leadership Programme, completed in 2025 in Albania. She also serves as Vice President of the Local Government Association of Zambia, where she is the only female among the 12-member national presidency board, breaking barriers for women’s leadership in local government. In 2025, she was elected Chairperson of the African Women Climate Action Network (AWCAN), representing African women on climate action. Kanungwe is an Amujae Fellow under the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center and the recipient of the 2025 Local Government Award for Women in Leadership, which recognized her innovative initiatives. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive governance, youth participation, and women’s empowerment.
