A Salford student has addressed an influential body of the European Union (EU) on its Youth Action Plan and how it can better support young people to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

Third year undergraduate student Mohamud Jama addressed the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (EU-ACP) Follow-Up Committee of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) via Zoom on Thursday 12 January.

He was selected by the Elman Peace Centre, a Somalia-based non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting peace in the country to provide the African response and reaction to the EU’s Youth Action Plan. He also briefed the committee on the overall situation of young people in Africa and took part in a panel discussion.

Mohamud had worked with the organisation prior to university and is currently working with the body as part of his final year studies.

In his address, he said: “The lack of access to training, education and finance to upskills and deliver solutions has made us understand that as young Africans, we are disadvantaged by design, not by choice.”

“By engaging, empowering and connecting youths across Africa to find the most innovative solutions for the urgent problems we face at Elman Peace, we’ve come to recognise that youth participation is necessary and not optional.”

He said of the experience: “It has been great putting the knowledge and skills gained through my International Politics and Security degree to use at the placement. I would recommend all students who are able and willing to, to take part in the placement module.”

Nicholas Barnett, the programme leader for Contemporary History and Politics said that Mohamud’s work with the centre and his skillset ascertained from his degree made him an ‘excellent candidate’ to represent Elman Peace at the committee.

He said: “Mohamud’s early success on the placement shows that he is a very able student and the skills and knowledge gained as part of his degree at Salford have helped him to develop and gain the confidence to prepare and present his speech at such a globally important institution.”

The Youth Action Plan is the first ever policy framework by the EU for a strategic partnership with young people around the world to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. It is set to help provide meaningful youth participation on international commitments such as the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The EESC consists of EU member states and nominated representatives of interest groups from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries