Our Background
The Afro Arab Youth Council (AAYC) was established in 2004 at the close of the International Youth Festivals for African and Arab Youth in Khartoum. Founded under the auspices of the Presidents of Sudan and Libya, the Council was created to champion the aspirations of African and Arab youth. In 2005, the AAYC formed an Executive Committee to formalise its mission, establish its legal mandate, and secure organisational affiliations with the African Union and Arab League.
A key decision taken by consensus was to base the AAYC Secretariat in Khartoum, with the Sudanese government generously supporting this initiative. This arrangement continued until 2008.
During the Afro-Arab Youth Festival held in Kampala, two landmark resolutions were passed: the construction of a permanent AAYC headquarters in Uganda and the designation of Uganda as the Council's new home. These resolutions received unanimous support from then Libyan Leader H.E. Muammar Gaddafi and the attending heads of state, who committed land and resources to realise this vision.
With the AAYC headquarters relocated to Uganda, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda became the Council’s Patron. He further solidified Uganda’s support by granting prime land for the headquarters construction, reinforcing his commitment to the Council's mission and vision.
Since its founding, AAYC has held multiple meetings and assemblies across its member states, including key gatherings in Khartoum, Damascus, Cairo, Kampala, Rabat, Casablanca, Tripoli, and Doha. Each of these gatherings has been instrumental in shaping the Council’s directives, ensuring a unified approach toward empowering youth across Africa and the Arab world.
Inaugural Youth Festivals that brought together over 3000 youth from participating AAYC member countries.
