On 9 June 2025, Dr Vasu Gounden, the Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, was invited as a resource person at the G20 Symposium: Commemorating Youth, hosted by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Durban, South Africa. The discussion focused on advancing youth inclusion in the G20 President’s Agenda. The symposium was officiated by Mr. Alvin Botes, the Deputy Minister of DIRCO. South Africa currently holds the presidency of the G20 until November 2025.
With over half of the world’s population under the age of 30, youth inclusion is strategically vital for sustainable development. June is recognised as Youth Month in South Africa, a time for remembrance, reflection, and a renewed commitment to empowering and developing young individuals in the country. June 16 is Youth Day in South Africa, a national holiday that commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976.
ACCORD is committed to contributing to the youth, peace and security agenda, not only on the Continent through ACCORD but also globally through Global Peace.
