Addis Ababa to Host UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in 2027, for the First Time in Africa

Addis Ababa is set to make history in 2027 as the host city of the sixth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD), marking the first time the high-level forum will be held on the African continent.

The announcement has generated enthusiasm among advocates, civil society organizations and African stakeholders who see the decision as an important opportunity to strengthen Africa's role in global discussions concerning people of African descent.

The decision to hold the 2027 session in Addis Ababa was made during the Forum's fifth session, held from 14–17 April 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The upcoming session is expected to bring together representatives of governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and people of African descent from around the world. The Forum serves as a consultative mechanism focused on improving the safety, quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent, while providing advice and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council.

A Historic Moment for Africa

Hosting the Permanent Forum in Addis Ababa represents more than a change of venue. It provides an opportunity for African institutions, communities and young people to engage more directly with international conversations on human rights, equality, development and the rights of people of African descent.

Addis Ababa, home to the African Union and one of the continent's major diplomatic centers, offers a strategic setting for strengthening connections between African institutions and international stakeholders.

For Africa's youth, the event could also provide an important platform to move from participation to meaningful engagement.

Africa is the world's youngest continent, yet young people are often positioned primarily as beneficiaries of development initiatives rather than as partners in designing and implementing solutions.

The 2027 PFPAD session could help change that dynamic by creating opportunities for young Africans to engage with policymakers, international organizations, civil society, development institutions and other stakeholders.

Youth Participation Must Go Beyond Attendance

Professor Solomon Belette the founder of US Africa Initiatives (USAFI) LLC and president of USAFI Impact, the non profit arm USAFI, states that the significance of hosting an international platform in Africa should be measured not simply by where the meeting takes place, but by who participates and whose voices influence the discussions.

"Young people should not be invited simply to fill seats in conference rooms. They should be given meaningful opportunities to speak, challenge ideas, build partnerships, and present solutions," Solomon said.

Nurhussein Ali, a member of the USAFI team, similarly emphasized the importance of creating genuine opportunities for African youth.

"When Africa's youth are given a real platform, we do more than participate in the conversation—we bring the energy, ideas, and solutions needed to move that conversation forward."

Helena Alemu, USAFI chief of Youth and women Initiatives (YAWI) says that "PFPAD 2027 will provide a platform for different constituencies in Africa that USAFI is working with to provide meaningful input in helping shape the issues and priorities for constructive action."

USAFI says the Forum could help establish stronger connections between African youth and policymakers, development institutions, civil society, private-sector leaders and international partners.

Beyond the Conference

Advocates say the long-term impact of the 2027 Forum should extend beyond the conference itself.

They are calling for the event to generate lasting youth networks, partnerships, policy engagement and practical opportunities for young Africans.

The hosting of PFPAD in Addis Ababa could also strengthen continental ownership of discussions affecting people of African descent and reinforce Africa's contribution to international efforts addressing discrimination, inequality and human rights.

The exact dates, venue arrangements, registration procedures and participation guidelines for the 2027 session are expected to be confirmed through official announcements closer to the event.

As preparations move forward, stakeholders are urging organizers and participating institutions to ensure that African youth and civil society are given meaningful opportunities to contribute.

From Addis Ababa, the message could be clear: Africa's youth are not waiting for the future - they are helping build it now.