Afolabi Williams welcomes all young African leaders to the International Youth Diplomacy Conference in Accra, Ghana (IYDC 2018)

BIO: Executive Profile

Afolabi Williams-President, GA (IYDC 2018)

Raised in an “Educationist family” downtown Lagos Nigeria, Afolabi Williams graduated from Nigeria’s foremost premier institution, University of Ibadan. Beginning his career as a Relationship Officer in Skye Bank Plc., he then evolved to work with African University of Science and Technology. He serves as an Independent Consultant for Ubongo Learning International in Nigeria. Afolabi Williams is a Project Developer, Development Practitioner and a Social Entrepreneur, Curator for Skills Beyond School Africa, where he proffers sustainable solutions to educational challenges across Africa. He has volunteered with high profile organisations and personalities, notably the African Philanthropy Forum. He is a passionate diplomat and an enthusiastic MUNer, recipient of numerous accolades and recognition, a few of which are, ‘A World At School Global Youth Ambassador’, ‘Reach Out Integrated Africa Global Youth Ambassador’, ‘President Barack Obama Young African Leaders Initiative Fellow’, and ‘Common Purpose UK Alumnus’.  He loves to travel, write, and he enjoys delectable delicacies.

Distinguished Delegates,

Welcome to International Youth Diplomacy Conference 2018. I am highly delighted to serve as your President for the fourth session of International Youth Diplomacy Conference, which will be held from Tuesday, July 17th 2018 to Saturday, July 21st 2018 at University of Ghana, Legon. We expect to connect a thousand youths and MUN enthusiasts across Africa from thirty-five (35) countries as UN representatives, and having ex-Presidents, Diplomats, astute Entrepreneurs in the Elders Forum to address some key issues that affects the African youth demography. Since its maiden edition in 2015, IYDC will continue to raise the flag of excellence and provide appropriate opportunity for delegates to garner relevant practical skills in a constructive, organic and energetic forum while at the same vein enjoying memorable social and tour activities, ambassadorial visits, career development seminar, delectable dinner and awards ceremony.

Highlighting the underlying issues towards youth unemployment in Africa, our grand theme for the year is “Investing in Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovations; a Curb to Youth Unemployment”. Sequel to the theme, delegates are expected to extensively discuss from the purview of private sector innovations, entrepreneurial ecosystem, poverty and unemployment risks, social capital, smart solutions, evolutionary and disruptive tech innovations, and the futuristic demography. Specialised simulation of French committee and Business committee will be initiated at this year’s conference. Press Corps committee is also available for those interested in journalism, to compile the critical issues discussed in all the councils.

Nobel Laureate Arne Tiselus once stated that “We live in a world where unfortunately the distinction between true and false appears to become increasingly blurred by manipulation of facts, by exploitation of uncritical minds, and by the pollution of the language.” Thus, we cannot be more thrilled and excited to see you debate and simulate the most pertinent issues with the art of intercultural diplomacy to promote peace and economic development to the African continent.

Yours Sincerely,

Afolabi Williams

President, GA (IYDC 2018)