Rebecca Nanono

Migration is a reality of our interconnected world. Whether driven by economic aspirations, conflict, environmental changes, or education opportunities, migration shapes the lives of millions globally, including African youth. In this context, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) plays a crucial role in influencing migration governance, policies, and practices. But how does this international framework specifically affect African youth, who represent a significant proportion of the continent's population and a substantial segment of its migratory flows? Understanding the Global Compact for Migration Adopted in December 2018, the GCM is the first intergovernmental agreement designed to cover all dimensions of international migration comprehensively. Though non-binding, the Compact provides a cooperative framework with 23 objectives aimed at improving migration governance. These objectives include minimizing the adverse drivers of migration, ensuring ...

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995 during the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, remains a pivotal moment in the global movement for gender equality. As one of the most comprehensive blueprints for advancing women’s rights, the declaration calls for urgent and transformative actions to ensure equality, development, and peace for women around the world. Nearly three decades later, the Beijing Declaration continues to inspire progress and serves as a guiding framework for policymakers, activists, and civil society.   The Vision of the Beijing Declaration The Beijing Declaration envisions a world where: Every woman and girl can exercise her freedoms and rights fully without discrimination or violence. Gender equality becomes central to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. Structural barriers and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality are dismantled. All women and girls have equal opportu...

Introduction Agenda 2063 is Africa’s master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future. Adopted in January 2015 by the African Union (AU), this ambitious blueprint envisions a prosperous, united, and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. As a long-term strategic framework, Agenda 2063 aims to address historical injustices, create shared prosperity, and reposition Africa as a key player on the world stage by the year 2063 — marking 100 years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the AU’s predecessor. The Vision of Agenda 2063 Agenda 2063 is rooted in the vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa , driven by its own citizens and capable of taking its rightful place in the global economy. The agenda is framed around aspirations that articulate Africa’s collective vision: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development An ...

Ubuntu, a term rooted in African philosophy, particularly in Southern Africa, embodies the concept of shared humanity. It is often translated as "I am because we are," emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. This simple yet profound idea reveals that the behavior of individuals mirrors the health, values, and spirit of the community as a whole. In essence, whether good or bad, what we witness in the actions of one person reflects something greater about the collective society. Ubuntu: The Essence of Interconnectedness At its core, Ubuntu teaches that no person exists in isolation. Our actions, choices, and behavior are shaped by the relationships we form with others, and vice versa. This concept stresses the importance of mutual respect, empathy, and shared responsibility. In a society that practices Ubuntu, the well-being of one is intrinsically tied to the well-being of others. It's a reminder that individual actions ripple out, affecti...

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the most ambitious trade agreements in history, aimed at creating a single market for goods and services across 55 African countries. Officially launched in 2021, AfCFTA promises to transform the economic landscape of Africa, boosting intra-African trade, enhancing competitiveness, and driving sustainable development across the continent. However, to fully realize its potential, AfCFTA must be anchored within a complex and evolving global context. 1. The Shifting Global Economic Order The global economy is undergoing profound shifts, driven by factors such as technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and changing trade dynamics. Africa's integration into this evolving landscape requires a nuanced approach. Here's why: Changing Trade Patterns : Global trade patterns have seen a significant shift with the rise of regionalism, protectionism, and bilateral agreements. While Africa is embarkin...

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with headlines about conflict, injustice, and social upheaval. It can often feel like violence is the dominant response to challenges, whether it’s political tensions, racial injustice, environmental degradation, or economic inequality. As the turbulence around us intensifies, the question becomes: Can nonviolence still be a viable path in such a fractured world? The Power of Nonviolence: Lessons from History Throughout history, nonviolence has shown its strength as a transformative force. From Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for Indian independence to Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for civil rights, nonviolence has been at the heart of movements that sought justice, dignity, and equality without resorting to violence. But why choose nonviolence when the world seems chaotic and force often appears to yield quicker results? Nonviolence, at its core, is about more than just the absence of physical harm. It’s a philosophy and practice rooted i...