East African Youth Champions and Staff visit Berlin and Brussels

A highlight in DSW‘s calendar is always the middle of October. Not only do the World Health Summit and the International Dialogue on Population and Sustainable Development take place in Berlin, and the European Week of Action for Girls in Brussels, but it is also the time of year when we invite youth champions from East Africa—who are involved with our offices and partners there—along with staff chaperones, to come to Europe and advocate for their fellow youth at high-level meetings and conferences.

While this is a very positive experience and a great opportunity, it has at times been marred by unsuccessful visa applications. This year, however, we were delighted to welcome youth champions Joel from Kenya, accompanied by Youth for a Sustainable World (YSW) staff member Jackline, as well as Tanzanian youth champions, Frederick and August, along with DSW Tanzania staff member Mariam.

The week began in Berlin at the World Health Summit, where they engaged with global health leaders and contributed to discussions on strengthening health systems, advancing SRHR, and elevating youth participation. Their advocacy continued during the International Dialogue, where they met policymakers and shared insights from their communities.

Frederick described Berlin as especially inspiring. A highlight for him was taking part in an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting, where he addressed the gap between policy and implementation and the difficulties rural youth face in accessing youth-friendly services. He was also very happy to have the opportunity to take part in the InternationaL Dialogue, whose theme was Many Voices, One Vision: United for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. He left Berlin feeling confident that “collective action between generations can drive lasting impact.”

Agusta was encouraged by the determination of young people and decision-makers working side by side. Her contributions, shaped by her work in SRH, GBV, mental health, and peer education, reinforced her belief that youth are not just beneficiaries of policy but essential partners in shaping it.

The staff members accompanying the youth champions echoed these reflections. For Jackline from YSW, her first trip to Germany was “truly transformative.” Showcasing Kenya’s lifeyangu platform and learning from regional innovations sparked new ideas for strengthening youth engagement at home and reaffirmed her belief in the power of linking local action with global dialogue.

Mariam from DSW Tanzania highlighted the value of Berlin’s high-level exchanges—from the Bundestag to BMZ to the APPG—describing them as moments where shared values transcended borders. Capacity-building sessions with DSW Germany further strengthened their advocacy skills.

After their time in Berlin, the delegation traveled to Brussels for the European Week of Action for Girls (EWAG). For Joel from Kenya, entering the European Parliament was “the kind of moment you dream about as a young advocate.” When he spoke at an EWAG event there, he emphasised the “triple threats” facing young people in Kenya—teen pregnancies, HIV, and GBV—as well as the impact of USAID funding cuts, urging greater youth inclusion in decision-making.

This year’s delegation of youth champions made a strong impact during their advocacy journey to Berlin and Brussels. All of them agreeing that the experience was deeply enriching—they felt heard, valued, and able to spotlight the issues affecting young people in their home countries.

We wish the young advocates every success as they continue advocating for the reproductive health, rights, and futures of young people. Their dedication and leadership are reshaping conversations at home and abroad, and we look forward to seeing the change they will continue to inspire.