The launch took place on 12 August, International Youth Day, during a meeting of the EU Ambassador with the 26 new youth ambassadors.

On the agenda, presentation of the European Union and its values as well its action in Mauritius and within the region; the EU Youth Action Plan and the Youth Sounding Board objectives; and the Erasmus + programme.

The meeting allowed for an open and vivid discussion between the Ambassador and the youth ambassadors. Two young women from the first Youth Sounding Board participated in the meeting to share their experience. Three young beneficiaries from Erasmus + were also present to explain the opportunities on offer for young people.

The 26 new ambassadors - 13 women and 13 men – are aged 18-30. They are students or young professionals already engaged in social and environmental action who are willing to bring a meaningful change to society. Their main concerns are Environment, Climate change and Green transition as well as Good governance, Human rights and Gender equality, the two priorities of the EU bilateral cooperation programme for Mauritius up to 2027.

During 2 years (2024-2026), they will have the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the EU and :

• share their experience and knowledge with the Delegation on youth participation and empowerment as well as on a broad range of topics of concern for young people;
• express their views, connect and exchange with other young people, EU and Member States and other stakeholders in Mauritius as well as abroad;
• participate in the Delegation’s initiatives;
• promote the European Youth Action Plan 2022 – 2027 and its three core pillars – ENGAGE - EMPOWER - CONNECT and amplify the action of the EU in Mauritius.

Their strong commitment shows in the quotes they shared with the Delegation to introduce themselves. For Devayogini Veerabudren, A-Level student at GMD Atchia State College, young ambassador:

• “«Unstoppable» is not just a statement; it is a mindset. We are the vanguard against resignation, and as the youth, we possess the power to shape a better Mauritius.”

For Cheshta Ghoora, Future Fintech Champion'23 at Mauritius Africa Fintech Hub, young ambassador :

• “As a proud member of the EU Sounding Board, I am committed to amplifying the voices of youth in decision-making processes. By the youth, for the youth, we strive to create an inclusive environment where every young person can contribute to shaping our collective future. Together, we will foster innovation, resilience, and empowerment within our communities. Let’s drive meaningful change and make our voices heard.”

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr Oskar Benedikt said :

• “Today we celebrate International Youth Day. It cannot be a better day to introduce you to our 26 new Youth Ambassadors with whom we will be engaging over the next two years as part of our strategy to promote meaningful youth participation and empowerment in our actions for sustainable development”.

The first EU-Mauritius Youth Forum  / Sounding Board was launched by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius in 2022 on the basis of the European Action Plan and Global Youth Sounding Board. Its objectives are therefore to ENGAGE – EMPOWER – CONNECT. Through the set-up of this dedicated platform to dialogue with young people, the Delegation in Mauritius contributes, as 40 other EU Delegations around the world, to the rolling out of the European Youth Action Plan.