Youth in the countryside at the centre of discussions at the Sotavento Regional Youth Forum

For two days, the municipality of Santa Cruz, on the island of Santiago, is hosting the Sotavento Regional Youth Forum, an initiative that brings together 120 young people from the islands of Santiago, Maio, Fogo and Brava.

The event is being held at the Sema Lopi Cultural Centre and its theme is “Youth in the Countryside: Building Local Roots and Global Visions”, promoting dialogue, training and the active participation of young people in building sustainable solutions for their communities.

The Forum focuses on strategic areas such as agriculture, livestock, youth entrepreneurship, the valorisation of local culture and sport, which are seen as drivers of social and economic development.

At the opening ceremony, the Minister for Youth and Sport, Carlos Monteiro, called for a new perspective on rural development:
“We need young people who look at rural areas and see them as an opportunity for personal and collective growth. The government's programmes and those of our partners are aligned with this vision,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted the existing support instruments for young entrepreneurs in rural areas:
“The IEFP, Pró-Empresa and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment have provided strong support to those who are betting on modernising agriculture, livestock farming and handicrafts as viable ways of generating income and local transformation,” he stressed.

Over the two days, the Forum offers a varied programme including themed panels, workshops, technical visits, an opportunities fair, networking sessions and cultural and sporting activities.

This initiative is part of the YouthConnekt Cape Verde programme, coordinated by the Institute of Sport and Youth (IDJ), with technical and financial support from the United Nations Joint Office (UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA), and is in line with national and international commitments on youth and development.

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