The SARSYC Journey

A decade of youth advocacy, knowledge sharing, and regional impact

1
2015

SARSYC I

Zimbabwe
200 participants

Theme:

Inaugural Conference

Key Outcomes:

  • First regional youth conference
  • Foundation of SARSYC platform
  • Partnerships with regional stakeholders

5 countries, founding conference

2
2017

SARSYC II

University of Johannesburg, South Africa
300 participants

Theme:

Youth Empowerment

Key Outcomes:

  • Expanded regional participation
  • Strengthened youth networks
  • Policy engagement frameworks

8 countries, enhanced regional reach

3
2019

SARSYC III

University of Zambia
400 participants

Theme:

Evidence-Based Advocacy

Key Outcomes:

  • Research Indaba formalized
  • Youth-led research presentations
  • Policy recommendations developed

10 countries, research focus strengthened

4
2022

SARSYC IV

LUANAR, Malawi
350 participants

Theme:

Post-COVID Recovery & Digital Advocacy

Key Outcomes:

  • COVID-19 recovery strategies
  • Digital advocacy tools developed
  • Hybrid conference format pioneered

12 countries, hybrid format, digital innovation

5
2024

SARSYC V

University of Botswana
500 participants

Theme:

AI, Climate & Substance Abuse

Key Outcomes:

  • Emerging issues addressed
  • Technology and climate focus
  • GEAR Alliance strengthened

14 countries, 200+ abstracts, 35+ partners

6
2026
CURRENT

SARSYC VI

Windhoek, Namibia
500+ participants

Theme:

Align for Action: Sustaining Progress in Youth Health and Education

Key Outcomes:

  • Scaling transnational advocacy
  • Sustainability frameworks
  • To be determined at conference

Expected: 14+ countries, 200+ abstracts, 40+ partners

Learn More About SARSYC VI

Cumulative Impact (2014-2022)

1,750+
Total Participants
920+
Abstracts Presented
140+
Partner Organizations
50+
Policy Commitments