The official opening ceremony of the National Youth Forum (FONAJEUN) took place at the Yaoundé Conference Centre, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mr. MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU, representing the Government of the Republic.
In the presence of administrative authorities, technical, financial and institutional partners, development stakeholders, as well as hundreds of young people from all regions of Cameroon and the diaspora, FONAJEUN opened in a solemn atmosphere marked by hope, responsibility, and collective commitment.
The inaugural addresses echoed with calls for patriotism, civic engagement, and responsibility, officially launching a national space for dialogue, consultation, and co-construction dedicated to Cameroon’s youth and the country’s development agenda.
Welcome Address
In his welcome address, the Third Deputy Mayor of the City of Yaoundé, Mr. Palalou MIDJIYAWA, expressed the honor and pride of the political capital in hosting the National Youth Forum.
He warmly welcomed the authorities, partners, and above all the young participants from all regions of Cameroon and the diaspora, whom he described as the builders of tomorrow’s Cameroon.
Highlighting Yaoundé’s symbolic role as the institutional crossroads and embodiment of national unity, he invited participants to make this Forum a space for meaningful dialogue, practical proposals, civic engagement, and collective responsibility, so that the resolutions adopted would contribute tangibly to the harmonious development of Cameroon and the fulfillment of its youth.
Context of the National Youth Forum (FONAJEUN)
Cameroon’s youth, representing nearly 80% of the national population, constitute both the country’s greatest human asset and a major strategic stake for stability, peace, and sustainable development.
For over four decades, His Excellency Paul BIYA, President of the Republic, has placed youth at the heart of his societal vision, making them a central pillar of public policy and of Cameroon’s Emergence Vision by 2035.
Within the framework of the new seven-year mandate of Great Expectations, the Head of State reaffirmed that the coming years would be decisive for consolidating Cameroon’s emergence, a goal that cannot be achieved without a well-trained, economically integrated, responsible, patriotic, and fully engaged youth.
This vision aligns with the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (NDS30), which emphasizes human capital development, decent employment, entrepreneurship, participatory governance, social cohesion, and peace consolidation.
In parallel, the revised National Youth Policy 2025–2030 introduces the youth-centered approach, recognizing young people as both actors and beneficiaries of public policies. Its operational framework, the Youth Plan, developed through an inclusive process by youth and for youth, translates this vision into concrete actions, in line with the High Instructions of the Head of State, particularly regarding youth employment promotion.
Despite these efforts, youth conditions continue to face complex challenges: persistent unemployment and underemployment, socio-economic vulnerability, rising incivility and hate speech, exposure to ideological and digital manipulation, security challenges, declining trust in institutions, and limited participation in decision-making processes.
It is within this context that the National Youth Forum (FONAJEUN) was held from 14 to 16 January 2026 at the Yaoundé Conference Centre. The Forum represents a major milestone for dialogue and co-construction between youth, the State, decentralized local authorities, the private sector, civil society, and technical and financial partners.
As a strategic instrument supporting the presidential mandate, FONAJEUN aims to renew the social contract between the State and Cameroonian youth, mobilize young people’s creative energy, and position youth as a decisive lever for a united, stable, and prosperous Cameroon.
Theme of the National Youth Forum
“Cameroonian youth: a human capital with strong moral, civic and entrepreneurial values, at the heart of the seven-year mandate of Great Expectations of H.E. Paul BIYA, for a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.”
Inaugural Lecture
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Leka ESSOMBA of the University of Yaoundé I, focusing on the Forum’s central theme.
In his address, he examined developmental dynamics related to employment, agricultural investment, training, and education, while identifying three major obsessions undermining Cameroonian youth:
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the pursuit of opportunities abroad for a “better life”;
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the quest for easy money;
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the excessive attraction to public service careers at the expense of entrepreneurship.
He concluded with a strong call for digital transformation to foster new professions and for ecological transition to enhance youth participation in environmental protection and the transformation of future energy systems.
What FONAJEUN Is
The National Youth Forum (FONAJEUN) is a national platform for dialogue, consultation, and co-construction dedicated to Cameroonian youth. Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education under the High Patronage of the Head of State, it brings together youth from all regions and the diaspora alongside public institutions, local authorities, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.
More than an event, FONAJEUN is a strategic instrument of the Great Expectations mandate, where youth become drivers of change, agents of development, and pillars of nation-building.
Objectives of the National Youth Forum
The Forum aims to:
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share an in-depth national diagnosis of youth challenges, aspirations, and expectations;
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validate and promote ownership of the Youth Plan;
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strengthen civic education, responsible citizenship, and patriotism;
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enhance coordination between the State and development partners;
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mobilize youth as central actors in Cameroon’s economic, social, and civic development.
Address by the National Youth Council of Cameroon (CNJC)
Speaking on behalf of Cameroonian youth, Ms. Fadimatou IYAWA OUSMANOU, National President of the CNJC, expressed gratitude for the efforts made toward youth empowerment.
She praised the leadership, dynamism, and availability of the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mr. MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU, as well as the Government’s commitment to supporting the major initiatives of the Great Expectations mandate.
Having actively contributed to the development of the National Youth Plan, she called on all young people to work towards its implementation with love and patriotism.
Civic Minute and Minister’s Address
The ceremony included a Civic Minute, dedicated to living together and the exchange of New Year 2026 greetings, followed by the address of the Minister of Youth and Civic Education.
In his speech, Mr. MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU emphasized that youth are the beating heart of the Nation and the primary lever of its transformation. He urged young people to make FONAJEUN a space for bold, responsible, and practical proposals aimed at building a united, stable, and prosperous Cameroon.
He concluded by calling on every participant to become an ambassador of patriotism, responsible citizenship, and commitment to the Nation.
