FONAJEUN – Official Detailed Summary of Day 1

Official Opening Ceremony and First Thematic Panels

The first official day of the National Youth Forum (FONAJEUN) marked the effective start of the Forum’s proceedings at the Yaoundé Conference Centre. Following the technical pre-forum sessions, this day was dedicated to the solemn opening ceremony and the launch of the first thematic panels, which addressed key national priorities concerning Cameroonian youth.

The event brought together members of Government, administrative authorities, technical and financial partners, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and hundreds of young people from all ten regions of the country and the diaspora.

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Official Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, representing the Government of the Republic. In a solemn and hopeful atmosphere, participants were called upon to make the Forum a platform for constructive dialogue and co-creation in service of national development.

The inaugural addresses emphasized the values of patriotism, responsibility, and civic engagement, while highlighting the central role of youth in consolidating peace, social cohesion, and economic progress in Cameroon.

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Welcome Address by Local Authorities

On behalf of the City of Yaoundé, a municipal representative expressed pride in hosting a national event dedicated to youth. He commended the strong mobilization of young people from all regions and the diaspora and encouraged participants to formulate practical proposals capable of positively influencing public policies for youth.

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Context and Rationale of the Forum

Institutional presentations recalled that Cameroonian youth represent a strategic pillar for stability, peace, and sustainable development.

The Forum aligns with the orientations of the Head of State, Paul Biya, and is part of the implementation of the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (NDS30). It aims to promote ownership of the National Youth Policy and its operational instrument, the Youth Plan, through an inclusive approach.

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Theme of FONAJEUN

The theme of the Forum was presented as:

“Cameroonian Youth: Human capital with strong moral, civic and entrepreneurial values, at the heart of the Seven-Year Term of Great Opportunities, for a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.”

This theme guided the discussions toward building a responsible, innovative, and development-oriented youth population.

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Inaugural Lecture

The inaugural lecture provided a high-level reflection on the place of youth in economic, social, and technological transformation.

The speaker stressed the need for young people to engage in innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and green economy sectors. He also warned against the dangers of irregular migration, the pursuit of quick gains, and overdependence on public sector employment, urging youth to seize emerging opportunities and become solution-driven actors.

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Thematic Panels of Day 1

Following the opening ceremony, the Forum proceeded with the first thematic panels focusing on priority areas for youth development.

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Panel 1: Education and Training

This panel brought together several sectoral ministries involved in youth education and training, including those responsible for basic education, secondary education, higher education, vocational training, and youth affairs.

Discussions addressed:

• Improving access to and quality of education

• Strengthening the link between training and employment

• Promoting entrepreneurship in schools and universities

• Enhancing technical and professional skills

It was emphasized that education and training form the foundation of employability and youth empowerment.

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Panel 2: Youth Economic Empowerment and Employability

This panel focused on economic integration mechanisms for young people.

Government representatives and partners presented:

• Vocational training programs aligned with labor market needs

• Entrepreneurship support mechanisms

• Initiatives promoting economic inclusion, especially for young women

• Public–private partnerships facilitating professional integration

Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen linkages between training, financing, and employment opportunities.

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Panel 3: Youth, Peace and Security

This panel addressed the role of youth in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Key discussions covered:

• The National Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan

• Combating hate speech and misinformation

• Youth engagement as actors of social cohesion

• Promoting intercommunity dialogue

It was underscored that stability and sustainable development depend on a responsible and engaged youth population aware of its role in maintaining peace.

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Voice of Organized Youth

The President of the National Bureau of the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC) expressed youth appreciation for ongoing efforts to support their development and called on young people to take ownership of the opportunities and tools presented during the Forum.

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Address by the Minister of Youth and Civic Education

In his speech, Minister Mounouna Foutsou reaffirmed that youth are the driving force of national development. He urged young people to demonstrate responsibility, initiative, and civic commitment by transforming the Forum’s resolutions into concrete actions within their communities.

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Conclusion of Day 1

Day 1 of FONAJEUN established the political and strategic framework for the Forum’s work while initiating key thematic discussions. It strengthened dialogue between youth, institutions, and partners and confirmed the collective commitment to making youth a central actor in Cameroon’s development, peace, and prosperity.