Diani, Kenya – The Embassy of Denmark to Kenya and Somalia has championed the crucial role of youth in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) during this year’s Annual Reproductive Health Network (RHNK) scientific conference on Adolescent and Youth in SRHR. The event, held in Diani, received strong support and active participation from the Danish Embassy.
Under the theme of “#Localization of Global AYSRHR Commitments,” the 6th annual conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders. Attendees included government officials, civil society organizations, youth movements, universities, local and international organizations, and research academics. Notably, 40% of the participants came from countries beyond Kenya, representing Gambia, Zimbabwe, Mali, South Africa, and Uganda.
With a primary focus on SRHR, the conference placed youth concerns at the heart of its discussions. Key questions were raised, centering on effective strategies to address the needs of the youth. The Director of RHNK Conference 2023 emphasized the conference’s commitment to listening and building solutions based on the voices and perspectives of young people, rather than speaking on their behalf.
Prior to the conference, the youth committee had the opportunity to meet with the Governor of Kwale, who reaffirmed the county’s commitment to prioritizing youth and health. With 20% of the county’s population being youth, the Governor expressed a genuine desire to listen to their voices and translate their input into tangible actions.
During the event, the Danish Embassy actively participated in two panels, underscoring the significance of local engagement, health, and youth as key priorities for Danish-Kenyan collaborations. The embassy has been proactive in partnering with local organizations, supporting initiatives like the Nairobi Summit ICPD25+ held in 2021, and ensuring that youth voices are heard and incorporated into their work in Kenya through their Youth Sounding Board members.
 during this year's Annual Reproductive Health Network (RHNK) scientific conference on Adolescent and Youth in SRHR.){kind=link}