Young people around the world express their distress over the inability to respond to events around them or contribute to change, in what they view as collective inaction. At the same time, young people are at the forefront of global dynamics, as they represent a large and growing segment of the population in Africa, and as they are often the most affected by the socio-economic and environmental challenges.

In the same vein, Japan has actively engaged in partnerships with Africa for many years, spearheading the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) since 1993 to deepen cooperation with Africa. At the last conference held in Tunisia in 2022, Japan affirmed its commitment to cooperate with Africa towards sustainable growth, positioning itself as a "partner for growing together with Africa." Looking ahead to the next 30 years with a rapidly growing African continent projected to comprise a quarter of the world's population by 2050, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation between young people from Japan and Africa is essential for sustainable and peaceful global development. 

As part of this initiative for mutual understanding, the inaugural Model African Union in Japan was launched in May 2024, commemorating the Africa Day. The first of its kind initiative in Japan aims to mark the first attempt where young people take the lead in thinking about sustainable development and partnerships across African countries. Specifically, leading up to TICAD9 scheduled for Yokohama in 2025, Japanese university students will pair with African exchange students to deepen their understanding of various African nations, fostering diversity, solidarity, and mutual understanding, while discussing innovative ideas for sustainable growth in African countries.

In this Model of the African Union conference, over 244 university students from Africa and Japan, representing 47 African nations, will convene for the Model African Union's simulated General Assembly. During this conference, youth delegates will assume the roles of heads of states and ministers to craft innovative solutions for three key continental development issues intertwined with climate change. Participants will be organized into three thematic groups aligned with the Special Technical Committees (STCs) of the African Union. 

1. STC: Education, Science, and Technology
   TechRev: Innovating climate action with cutting-edge technology
2. STC: Migration, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons
   Enhancing Climate Security: Strategies for climate-induced mobility, adaptation, and mitigation
3. STC: Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning, and Trade Integration
   Aligning AfCFTA with Africa’s just energy transition for sustainable development.