Rapid population growth can have serious consequences for the well-being of humanity worldwide. It impacts on development both positively and negatively depending on the circumstances. As a Christian organisation, AACC is concerned that the population growth in the continent does not commensurate with the ability of African governments to provide basic social services. In countries where social services are provided, the governments are not able to sustain it. As a result, the quality of our social services, including education and health keeps falling, leading to the many issues facing people in the continent such as irregular migration and human trafficking, Gender Based Violence (GBV), upsurge in crimes, unemployment, underemployment, persistent poverty, urban slums, political unrest etc. The rapid, unsustainable population growth plays a major role in this.Unfortunately, we realize that the phenomenon of the nexus between population growth and sustainable development has not been taken seriously in both Agenda 2030 as well as Agenda 2063. There is little or no mention of population as a factor in development.We are also aware that churches in the continent do not have this issue on their agenda, and they are not talking about it. The high growth rate in Africa is as a result of many families not practicing family planning. The controversy among Christians about family planning comes from varied interpretations of a few passages in the Bible on human procreation e.g. “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:28). Some Christians use this verse to prohibit family planning. However, the command to be fruitful comes along with the command to be stewards of God’s creation. Thus, as responsible stewards, human beings cannot give birth to the number of children they are unable to raise.AACC holds that Faith and Science are not in opposition but complementary, and that Science is a gift to Faith from God. Therefore, how can a conversation between dynamics of Population Growth, and theological perspectives of Genesis 1:28 enhance the achievement of sustainable population growth that would intern lead to a demographic divided in Africa? This will be the key area of focus between religious leaders and expert groups in the dialogue.This consultation will aim at:1.    Increasing understanding of Population dynamics and demographic dividends.2.    Enhancing sociological and theological knowledge on sustainable family for sustainable population and development.3.    Deepening understanding on the intersections of population growth, policy framework and quality of life in Africa.4.    Increase awareness on challenges of unsustainable population growth on Africa’s transformation and development.5.    Strengthen collaboration between faith actors, experts, and relevant institutions towards addressing the issues related to population growth and demographic dividends in Africa. 

African young people are major stakeholders in the work of the Church in Africa and the continent’s sustainable development. Given that they constitute over 70 percent of the continent’s population, the African youth indeed have the potential to lead the continent through a socio-economic transformation (revolution) needed to bring about the desired positive changes in the continent. AACC’s Pan-African Campaign on Africa: My Home. My future., tasks youth leaders with the responsibility of mobilizing young people for active citizenship, enabling them to exercise their agency to drive positive changes within their communities. To advance the youth leaders' efforts in promoting active citizenship, there is a need to strengthen their capacity to serve their constituents, countries, and Africa at large as ethical leaders who understand leadership as an opportunity to inspire and empower those they lead to have a positive impact on the world. To ensure that youth leadership also contributes to the sustainability of Africa’s ecumenical movement, and God’s holistic mission to the world, it is crucial that the youth leaders are empowered and supported to align their work with the AACC strategy and be models of servant and ethical leadership, emulating Christ in ways described by Philippians 2:1-8. To effect this, the AACC will hold a capacity-strengthening workshop on Ethical Leadership and Active Citizenship for the All Africa Youth Leaders in Kenya. Main ObjectiveTo strengthen the capacity of the youth leaders in ethical leadership skills for active citizenship and social transformation for prophetic ministry in church and societyObjectives of the TrainingEquip youth leaders with knowledge and skills of ethical leadership Enhance understanding of active citizenship and social transformation for ecumenical solidarity and collaboration among participants  Mobilize youth leaders in preparation for AAYC 2025

South Sudan is a state within the horn and shares borders with several Horn of Africa countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. Despite the hard-won independence, South Sudan plunged back into civil war in 2013, further jeopardizing its fragile stability. The conflict, fuelled by ethnic and political rivalries, displaced millions and exacerbated existing humanitarian challenges. A peace agreement in 2018 ushered in a transitional government and paved the way for upcoming national elections, slated for later this year.South Sudan is approaching a critical juncture, with national elections scheduled for later this year. These elections hold immense significance for the nation's future stability and development. However, concerns linger regarding the country's preparedness to conduct peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections. AACC has been accompanying South Sudan Faith Community in advocating for peaceful election. As a follow up, AACC is planning to organize this webinar aims to address these concerns by providing a platform for informed discussions on South Sudan's electoral landscape.Key Issues related to the election: Security: Ensuring a secure environment for voters, candidates, and election officials remains a significant challenge. Localized violence and ongoing intercommunal tensions pose potential threats to the electoral process.Logistical Challenges: Distributing election materials, registering voters, and establishing polling stations across the vast and conflict-affected territories present logistical hurdles.Legal Framework: Concerns exist regarding the adequacy and clarity of the legal framework governing the elections.Public Trust: Building public trust in the electoral process is crucial for ensuring widespread participation and acceptance of the results.PURPOSE/OBJECTIVESTo provide an overview of the current situation in South Sudan, including the context leading up to the elections.To discuss the key challenges and opportunities related to South Sudan's preparedness for the elections.To generate insights and recommendations from experts and stakeholders on ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.To raise awareness and foster informed discussions on the importance of the upcoming elections for South Sudan's future.TARGET AUDIENCESNational and international policymakersElection officials and observersCivil society organizations and Faith Based Organizations Media representativesThe general public interested in South Sudan's peace and development processWEBINAR FORMATPanel discussion with experts on South Sudan's political landscape, elections, and security situation.Representative form African Union South Sudan DeskRepresentative from IGAD CEWARNYoul Gatkuoth (Pan African Peacemakers Alliance) Representative of South Sudan Council of Churches Q&A session allowing participants to engage with the panellists.Presentations from relevant stakeholders (optional).EXPECTED OUTCOMEThis webinar is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of South Sudan's preparedness for the upcoming elections. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the webinar aims to identify potential solutions and recommendations for ensuring a successful electoral process that paves the way for lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.NEXT STEPSFollowing the webinar, a summary report will be circulated summarizing the key insights and recommendations. Additionally, the recording of the webinar will be made available online for wider dissemination.Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlf-qrqTgoH9S9ul0cdBBO_nzZ2p1DrReP#/registration