Cameroon’s Minister of Youth Affairs yesterday, January 28 in Yaounde presented the state of preparedness to the media.

Cameroon will from the 7th to 11th February, 2015 host the first Africa Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting (ARCYMM) at the Yaounde Conference hall on the theme “Young People Building a Stable and Sustainable Future”.

During a press conference yesterday, January 28, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Bidoung Mkpatt told the press that since April 2014, his ministry and several other government departments have been working to ensure a hitch-free meeting. The Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ meeting, he noted, has been placed under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya.

Minister Bidoung Mkpatt told media practitioners that besides showcasing the ingenuity of African youths as well as their commitment to peace and nation building, ARCYMM will also discuss strategies pertinent to the Africa Region that update policies on youth development.

Taking place at a time when Cameroon, just like other Commonwealth countries such as Nigeria and Kenya are facing security challenges from terrorism and extremist groups, it is expected that the Yaounde meeting will be an opportunity to collectively engage African nations and young people to work and support actions that promote peace and prosperity while shunning vices that incite violence and terrorism.

It was with great certitude that Minister Bidoung Mkpatt told members of the press that all is set for Cameroon to host the first-ever Africa Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting. While noting that 21 countries have confirmed their participation at the meeting, it was with joy for Bidoung Mkpatt to indicate that delegates from the Republic of Sierra Leone will travel to Yaounde for the meeting in what he said would be not only a strong sign of solidarity and support towards a brother and nation dealing with a major crisis but more towards its youths.

ARCYMM will focus on five issues amongst which is the extraordinary General Assembly of the Cameroon National Youth Council to be held from today January 29 until 31 January 2015, the Africa Youth Forum of the Commonwealth Youth Council which takes place on Sunday, February 8, 2015, will provide an opportunity for young people to examine progress in youth development and identify proposals to be tabled to Youth Ministers.

The Senior Officials of Youth meeting will also take place on February 8, and discussions will be on the progress of youth development in Africa. The climax of the ARCYMM shall be the Meeting of Ministers from 9 to 10 February, 2015. Events will culminate on 11th February as all Ministers and their delegations will take part at the 11 February march past in a bid to honour young Cameroonians celebrating the National Youth Day.