Luanda: The Secretary of State for Local Authorities, Fernando da Paixo Manuel, announced on Thursday that the Angolan government is committed to increasing youth involvement in public policies and enhancing their influence in national decision-making processes. This statement was made during the international conference on 'Youth and Democracy,' an event organized by the Project to Support Civil Society and Local Administration in Angola (PASCAL). According to Angola Press News Agency, Manuel emphasized that Angola cannot achieve a consolidated democracy without the active inclusion of young individuals in the formulation of public policies. He stated, "Youth is not the future, it is the present. Nothing is done without the participation of youth. Public policies aimed at youth must be developed with the support and participation of this segment of society." Additionally, Fernando Manuel pointed to the National Youth Plan 2025-2027 as a tangible example of collaborative policy development, noting that the plan was shaped with contributions from young people across municipal, provincial, and national levels. He reiterated, "No democracy is consolidated without the active participation of young people." He further encouraged a positive outlook, saying, "Believe in a better Angola. The country is rich in resources and human potential. Youth is the engine of development and must be at the center of decisions."
