Malawi’s Second European Union-Youth Sounding Board (YSB) Journey Begins

The ceremony marked the formal start of a two-year mandate for eight diverse young leaders from seven districts to advise the EU on making its programmes more inclusive, relevant, and responsive to the needs of Malawian youth. Welcoming the members; the EU ambassador emphasized that Youth engagement matters and that Youths are not just the future but the engine of change. The welcoming session was followed by a two-day induction at the EUD in Malawi with various staff and implementing partners providing an overview of the EU and its programmes and projects, laying a foundation for their role in contributing to youth responsive policies and initiatives in Malawi.

The new board members are ecstatic about joining the YSB. "I feel humbled and exited to be part of the board. I am glad that my voice will represent Youths in Malawi in spaces that matter and contribute to real life policies and programmes for the development of our country"-Bernadette Mponda, a community development practitioner from Kasungu.

Building on this foundation, members participated in a Results-Based Management (RBM) training; an approach focused on results, impact, and accountability, equipping members with practical skills to design and oversee programmes that are relevant, evidence-based and measurable. One of the members, Martin Nsondole, a Youth activist from Mulanje expressed satisfaction with the timeliness of the training 'I am now confident that applying RBM principles will enable me to deliver more structured, transparent and result-oriented work in advancing youth development. As I move forward in this role, I am guided by the belief that "What gets measured, gets improved"

EU in Malawi

The new cohort brings a sophisticated blend of technical expertise; a global education and human rights advocate, a climate-tech CEO using drones and AI to strengthen community resilience, a governance architect focused on SME incubation and public reform, a youth-led community organization founder turning grassroots activism into policy dialogue and an agribusiness specialist who has already helped create over 6,000 economic opportunities just to highlight a few.

While the YSB is an EU initiative, it is designed to be a vibrant ecosystem for broader collaboration. Other stakeholders, including local NGOs and private sector firms with interest in youth development, can work with the platform and its alumni network through consultation, mentorship and joint advocacy.

As this new cohort begins its journey, they carry the aspirations of millions. Through their collaboration with the EU, they are proof that for the nation to prosper, we must prioritize human capital development through equal access to opportunities. This experience displays the EU's commitment to meaningful youth engagement, in line with the EU Youth Action Plan. Looking ahead, the new Youth Sounding Board members carry the responsibility-and the opportunity-to ensure no youth is left behind.