By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Five youth leaders from Cameroon have excelled at the 2025 edition of the World Youth Development Forum in China with their innovative projects. The forum took place from July 14 to 19 in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, under the theme, “Unleash Youth Potential for Global Development.”
At the opening ceremony, the 100 Excellence Actions of the Action Plan for Global Youth Development 2025 were unveiled, and the Acceleration Week for Global Youth Development was officially launched.
The participation of Cameroonian youth leaders was made possible through the mentorship provided by the local NGO, Royal Boys and Girls of Africa (ROBOGA).
Nkemcha Martin Tiku, the National Coordinator of ROBOGA, had his youth training and mentorship initiative selected as one of the 100 Excellent Actions for Global Youth Development (APGYD) 2023.
As the only Cameroonian among 100 youth representatives from over 60 countries, Tiku expressed his commitment to increasing Cameroonian participation in future editions.
The second edition of the forum, launched in August 2024, saw ROBOGA’s BKA CHALLENGE initiative mobilizing 10 alumni with impactful projects. These individuals received guidance and mentorship on the application process, resulting in four Cameroonian youth leaders being selected for their projects at the APGYD 2025.
The selected projects include: Akikeze Anangmbi – A million pens for peace campaign; – Senke Yannick Tresor – Commitment and Youth Impact in Saving Lives through Voluntary Blood Donation; Nembo Ekong – Education for Displaced Girls in Rural Communities; Mache Dolores – Panet One – MBOA HUB
By promoting these exceptional initiatives, the APGYD actively supports international youth actions and fosters youth empowerment, contributing to a community with a shared future for mankind.
The World Youth Development Forum serves as a crucial platform for young people worldwide to engage in discussions aimed at promoting global development. The forum seeks to harness the collective strength of youth to implement the Global Development Index (GDI).
During the inaugural edition of the World Youth Development Forum in November 2023, Tiku recognized significant opportunities provided by the forum.
The 2025 edition took place alongside the Acceleration Week for Global Youth Development Programs and featured 200 youth programs focused on sustainable development. These programs addressed issues such as poverty alleviation, food security, digital technology, climate action, green development, inclusive education, youth leadership, health and well-being, employment, entrepreneurship, and partnerships for the goals.
During the forum, delegates engaged in thematic sessions focused on green consumption and sustainable development, artificial intelligence and technological innovation, and the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. A series of workshops, training camps, and field visits were also held.
This program is hosted by the All-China Youth Federation, with support from organizations such as ILO, FAO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNCCD, the UN in China, ASEF, and various global partners.
The World Youth Development Forum is a vital platform for young people to contribute to global development and foster youth engagement in promoting sustainable initiatives.
The initiative to establish the WYDF was announced by President Xi Jinping as a significant step toward realizing the Global Development Initiative and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Action Plan for Global Youth Development has covered 43 countries across six continents since its launch in 2022.
