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The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) recently hosted members of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) 2026 youth cohort for a policy-focused engagement centred on youth participation in decision-making. The visit brought together 15 young sustainability ambassadors, including two Kenyans, for an exchange on how young people can meaningfully engage policy processes, particularly in the climate and sustainability space.

The engagement formed part of AERC’s broader commitment to advancing evidence-informed policymaking and supporting inclusive policy conversations that recognise youth not only as stakeholders, but as emerging policy actors. The session was moderated by Dr. Abbi Kedir, Director of Research at AERC, who guided the discussion and facilitated reflections on the role of institutions and research in strengthening meaningful youth engagement in policy processes.

The session featured a presentation by Dr. Rose Ngugi titled Youth Engagement in Policy Space. Her presentation examined the practical and institutional dimensions of youth participation, exploring how young people can navigate policy environments, influence decision-making, and engage constructively with formal governance processes.

A key theme of the discussion was the importance of moving beyond symbolic inclusion toward meaningful participation. Dr. Ngugi emphasised that effective youth engagement requires access to credible evidence, a clear understanding of policy processes, and opportunities to interact with decision-makers in structured policy spaces. Participants also reflected on persistent challenges facing young people in policy engagement, including power imbalances, limited access to information, and gaps between research and practice.

The visiting cohort forms part of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference’s youth engagement programme, which is designed to prepare young leaders to engage in complex sustainability challenges at the global level. The delegation was led by Ms. Sarah Maryanne Odera, Director of Programmes at HSC, who shared insights into the Conference’s youth engagement approach, the structure of the 2026 cohort, and the broader goals of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. She also highlighted the role of HSC’s high-level roundtables in convening senior policymakers and key stakeholders across sectors.

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference is a global platform that brings together policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders, and civil society actors to advance dialogue and solutions on sustainability and development challenges. Its youth cohort is selected through a highly competitive global process, with over 6,800 applications received for the 2026 cohort and only 15 participants selected. The programme places a strong emphasis on leadership development, policy literacy, and strategic communication, equipping young leaders with the skills required to engage effectively with high-level decision-makers.

For AERC, the engagement provided an opportunity to connect global youth platforms with policy research perspectives rooted in the African context. By hosting the cohort, AERC reinforced the importance of grounding youth leadership and sustainability advocacy in robust research and policy analysis. The session also underscored the value of early exposure to policy institutions for young leaders who are likely to play increasingly influential roles in shaping climate and sustainability agendas.