Previous Conferences
A decade of youth advocacy, knowledge sharing, and regional impact across Southern Africa.
202410 photos
BotswanaUniversity of Botswana350+ participantsSARSYC V
Building Bridges: Advancing Equitable Access to Public Health and Education, Navigating Emerging Issues,
The 5th Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC V) was convened by SAYWHAT in partnership with the University of Botswana (UB) from 17 to 19 July 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana. Under the theme, “Building Bridges: Advancing Equitable Access to Public Health and Education, Navigating Emerging Issues,” the conference brought together over 200 delegates from eight Southern African countries, including young people, civil society organisations, researchers, academics, government representatives, and development partners.
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2022MalawiSARSYC IV
Reshaping, Re-planning and Re-Committing to the Youth Agenda in Southern African Region
The 4th Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC IV) was convened by SAYWHAT in partnership with LUANAR and GAYO from 24 to 26 August 2022 in Lilongwe, Malawi. Held under the theme “Reshaping, Re-planning and Re-Committing to the Youth Agenda in the Southern African Region,” the conference brought together over 300 delegates from the 16 SADC member states, including young people, civil society organisations, researchers, academics, government representatives, and development partners.
2019ZambiaSARSYC III
Plan, Prioritize and Prevent
The 3rd Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Conference was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 11 to 12 July 2019 under the theme “Plan, Prioritise and Prevent.” The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including young people and students, government representatives, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, development partners, and members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
2017South AfricaSARSYC II
Building a Business Case for a Solid Future through Access to Youth Sexual Rights, Health Services, and Commodities
The 2nd Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC II) was held in 2017 under the theme “Building a Business Case for a Solid Future through Access to Youth Sexual Rights, Health Services, and Commodities.” Inspired by the African Union's 2017 theme, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth,” the conference provided a regional platform for students, young people, academics, researchers, and key stakeholders to engage in dialogue on improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and commodities.
2015ZimbabweSARSYC I
Youth SRH and the Post 2015 Agenda: A time to Invest in Young People to Harness the Democratic Dividend in Southern Africa
The Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC) was launched in 2015 in Harare, Zimbabwe, as a regional platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Bringing together more than 350 delegates from eight Southern African countries, the conference created a space for students, youth leaders, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organizations to engage in dialogue, share evidence, and strengthen regional collaboration.