YMAU V Committee Descriptions

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) will be focusing on strengthening civil society participation in governance by enhancing collaboration between the African Union and non-state actors to ensure inclusive policy-making, with particular attention to empowering marginalised voices and increasing transparency and accountability in development processes. Delegates in this committee represent civil society organisations, non-governmental actors, and advisory bodies.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) will be focusing on stabilising political institutions to prevent uprisings by strengthening governance, promoting credible and inclusive elections, encouraging political participation, and supporting peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms. Delegates simulate ministers of defence, interior, or foreign affairs responsible for national and continental peace and security.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) will be focusing on the ongoing crackdown on journalists, activists, and minorities by strengthening the protection of human rights, civil liberties, and freedom of expression. Delegates in this commission represent legal and human rights experts, ombuds institutions, and justice ministries.

The STC on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment will be focusing on enhancing agricultural systems and improving market access for farmers through sustainable practices, infrastructure development, and rural support mechanisms. Delegates are ministers or senior officials responsible for agriculture, environment, and rural affairs.

The STC on Youth, Culture and Sports will be focusing on skill-building for youth through traditional education, vocational, entrepreneurial, and digital training in order to empower youth and increase their economic participation. Delegates act as youth ministers, cultural policy leaders, and sports development officials.

The STC on Gender and Women’s Empowerment will be focusing on advancing gender equality across the continent by strengthening legal protections, increasing women’s participation in leadership and peacebuilding, and promoting economic and educational empowerment. The committee will emphasize implementation of the Maputo Protocol, address gender-based violence, and work toward integrating gender-responsive policies into all levels of governance and development. Delegates represent ministries of gender, women’s affairs, and related advocacy institutions.

The STC on Health, Population and Drug Control will be focusing on capacity building for healthcare systems, with a focus on affordability and quality of care. Delegates will discuss healthcare infrastructure, equitable access, and the financing of public health. Delegates serve as ministers of health, population policy leaders, and public health experts.

The STC on Transport, Intercontinental and Interregional Infrastructure, Energy and Tourism will focus on achieving energy independence through investment in renewable and local power, while boosting sustainable tourism by improving infrastructure and promoting Africa’s cultural heritage for economic growth. Delegates represent ministers responsible for energy, tourism, transport, and infrastructure development