Nairobi Trust Summit Puts African Youth at Centre of Global Governance Reforms

African youth must play a greater role in shaping public institutions, economic development and international cooperation, according to a new framework adopted at the inaugural Trust Summit 2026 in Nairobi.

The 29-point Nairobi Call to Action on Global Trust, adopted on October 23, calls for meaningful participation by young people, women, persons with disabilities, displaced persons and excluded communities in decisions affecting their lives.

The agreement also advocates expanded access to employment, entrepreneurship and finance for young people, while recognising sport, culture and the creative economy as tools for strengthening social cohesion.

The summit noted that approximately 70 per cent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30, making young people an important constituency in discussions on institutional reform, digital inclusion and the future of global governance.

Held from October 21 to 23 under the theme “Weaving Trust: Binding Strands for a Stronger Global Order,” the meeting brought together government representatives, international organisations, businesses, civil society, academics, technology experts, media practitioners and young people.

The resulting Call to Action places Africa as an equal partner in shaping global governance, financial cooperation, digital policy and access to global public goods.

Its inclusion agenda forms one of four priorities, alongside restoring confidence in public institutions, reforming multilateral systems and strengthening trust in the digital age.

The framework argues that confidence cannot be restored without institutions demonstrating accountability, delivering on commitments and protecting the public interest.

“Trust is a public good that must be deliberately nurtured, financed and strengthened. The true measure of this Summit will be the commitments we translate into tangible outcomes for our citizens,” said Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary in Kenya’s State Department for Foreign Affairs.

Sing’Oei said the next phase would focus on developing an implementation plan and extending public engagement campaigns to counties. The initiative would encourage public institutions and regulators to explain their decisions and demonstrate accountability to citizens.

To sustain the process, the summit proposed a Coalition on Global Trust, a Nairobi Trust Council to be hosted by Kenya, and a Global Trust Facility at the United Nations.

The coalition would provide a platform for governments and non-state actors to exchange knowledge and coordinate initiatives. The proposed council would bring together prominent figures from public, private and philanthropic institutions to review progress and encourage accountability.

The proposed Global Trust Facility would provide voluntary financing over an initial four-year period for institutions that underpin public confidence and international cooperation. The United Nations Development Programme is envisaged as its administrator, subject to further development and implementation.

The agreement also calls for an annual Regulatory Trust Index to assess public confidence in regulatory institutions at national, regional and global levels.

Stronger regulatory cooperation and mutual recognition through the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area are proposed to reduce unnecessary compliance costs.

On multilateral reform, the framework advocates more representative, transparent and accountable international institutions and changes to the global financial architecture.

It proposes a review conference on the United Nations Charter under Article 109, stronger global health governance and improved coordination among regional and continental organisations involved in conflict prevention and resolution.

Climate commitments, according to the agreement, must be accompanied by predictable financing, technology transfer and capacity building, especially for countries facing disproportionate climate risks.

The digital agenda calls for accelerated implementation of the Global Digital Compact, stronger cooperation on artificial intelligence governance and greater African participation in global digital policymaking. The framework also advocates transparency around platform algorithms and synthetic content, alongside protections for independent journalism and scientific integrity.

Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Summit, said the agreement was intended to turn concern about declining confidence into concrete action.

“The Nairobi Call to Action moves the world from diagnosing the trust deficit to doing something about it. Trust is a global public good, and no institution, sector or country can rebuild it alone,” he said.

The Summit Secretariat will prepare a Framework for Action establishing monitoring, tracking and reporting arrangements, including biennial reviews. The agreement also encourages international organisations, including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, to conduct biennial studies on the economic costs of distrust.

The Trust Summit is expected to convene every two years, while organisers consider extending the Trust Dialogues to regional and international platforms.

The adoption of the Nairobi Call to Action marks the beginning of an implementation process that will require governments, businesses, international organisations, civil society and communities to turn the commitments into funded initiatives and measurable reforms.

For African youth, the framework presents an opportunity to participate more directly in the institutions and decisions shaping their economic prospects and civic rights. However, that opportunity will depend on whether the proposed mechanisms deliver meaningful representation, resources and accountability.

The summit has invited governments, businesses, young people and civil society organisations to engage with the Coalition on Global Trust and advance the Nairobi Call to Action.

The full agreement is available at www.globaltrustsummit.org.

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