2ND EAC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ DEBATE ON EAC INTEGRATION, 2nd – 3rd SEPTEMBER, 2013 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The opening ceremony will be in JB Belmont Hotel, Dar es salaam,

starting at 9:00 a.m.

The University Students’ Debate will be officially opened by high level East African Community and government representatives:

·         Hon. Secretary General East African Community Secretariat, Ambassador Dr. Richard Sezibera,

·         Hon. Minister for Education and Vocational Training The United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Shukuru Jumanne Kawambwa,

·         Hon. Deputy Secretary General Political Federation, Mr. Charles Kinyanjui Njoroge,

·         Hon. Deputy Secretary General Productive and Social Sectors, Dr. Jesca Eriyo,

·         Chargé d´Affaire German Embassy Dar es Salaam, Dr. Hans Koeppel.

The opening ceremony will be a unique opportunity to conduct interviews, take pictures, liaise with high level politicians as well as students from the region and get first hand insights on East African Community integration.

About the event:

The youth of East Africa are important stakeholder in the EAC processes and form substantial part of the population. The East African Community Youth Summit on EAC Integration and Development Processes held in Arusha, Tanzania from 2^nd – 3^rd November, 2007 set the precedent for youth participation in the EAC integration. The Summit acknowledged that information and education on East African Integration and development is fundamental for enhancement and sustainability of regional integration. The youth called upon the EAC Secretariat to engage young people as partners to reach out to their peers on issues of EAC Integration and processes which will empower high-level skills needed to drive national and regional development. 

 In 2012, the Secretariat held the 1^st EAC University Students Debate on Regional Integration. The aim of the debate was to provide a regional platform to promote dialogue among the youth and interest them in advocating for regional integration initiatives. The 1^st EAC University Students’ Debate attracted over 100 students and 15 lecturers from public, private and other higher institutions of learning. 

As an outcome of the 1^st Debate, 5 EAC Youth Ambassadors were appointed as focal points in their respective Universities. The EAC Youth Ambassadors in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat have sensitized their peers on the EAC integration processes, benefits and challenges. This has enhanced increased awareness on regional integration and networking among institutions of higher learning in the region.

 The main objective of the EAC University Students debate is to promote continuous dialogue among the youth and interest them in advocating for regional integration initiatives.

The specific objectives are;

1. ensure continued participation of the youth in integration matters in the EAC region;
2. encourage networking among university students in a bid to enhance EAC Integration;
3. popularize the EAC integration Agenda through creating platforms that encourage sharing of experiences.
4. prepare the youth for future leadership roles; as they hold the mantle as Ambassadors of integration in the region.

In this spirit, the EAC-NCPR is excited to announce the 2^nd EAC University Students’ Debate from 2^nd to 3^rd September.

Ms Lisa NIXDORF

Support to the East African Community Integration Process

Advisor Implementation of EAC Common Market