November 12, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia): The African Land Policy Conference in Addis Ababa provided pivotal moment to reflect on inclusive land governance in Africa. This was made possible at a high-level side event entitled “Voices for a Just Future”, jointly organized by the IGAD, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and YILAA and RECONCILE. The Event served as a dynamic platform for the youth from the IGAD region and beyond to share their experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue on land justice and climate resilience.
The side event also provided a dynamic space for youth voices and leadership in the evolving landscape of land governance in Africa and its diaspora. The event highlighted the lived experiences of young people grappling with the consequences of historic and ongoing land exclusion, emanating from displacement, urban expansion, extractive industries, and climate-induced degradation. The youth panelists advocated for youth-led initiatives such as legal advocacy for land rights, community-based land restoration efforts, and socially driven enterprises aimed at addressing environmental challenges. More so the youth advocated for inclusive dialogue between policymakers and institutions on transforming land systems to be more just, equitable, and resilient. The session underscored the importance of intergenerational solidarity and justice-driven governance by creating space for youth to share, challenge, and shape ideas.
On the same day, the IGAD Team, led by Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Head of Mission to the Republic of Uganda and Acting Coordinator at IGAD Land Governance Unit, participated in a strategic networking event convened by a coalition of partners including ILC, IGAD, AFD, AU, ALPC, FAO, WHH, IDLO, RVO, GIZ, and Oxfam. The event aimed to deepen dialogue around coordination mechanisms, equal partnerships, and sustainable financing models to support inclusive land governance across Africa. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to work collaboratively in transforming Africa’s land systems, emphasizing the importance of sustained partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive policy frameworks to ensure that land governance contributes meaningfully to peace, resilience, and sustainable development across Africa.
The Land conference which started on 10th November will conclude on 13th November 2025 with clear commitments and Plan for action for addressing Land Governance challenges on the African Continent.
