SARSYC VI
Align for Action: Sustaining Progress in Youth Health and Education
Countdown to Conference
Conference Theme
SARSYC VI focuses on translating commitments into concrete actions that sustain and accelerate progress in youth sexual and reproductive health and education across Southern Africa.
Unite Youth Leaders
Bring together 500+ young leaders, researchers, and advocates from across Southern Africa.
Share Knowledge
Exchange cutting-edge research, best practices, and innovative solutions in youth health and education.
Drive Action
Develop actionable commitments and strategies to advance youth health and education outcomes.
Conference Tracks
SARSYC VI features five thematic tracks addressing critical priorities in youth development.
Education Rights and Equity
Advancing education rights and equity for young people across Southern Africa.
Key Topics:
- •Financing and innovation for equitable digital learning in rural communities
- •Evaluating the effectiveness of climate resilience in education systems
- •Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) through responsive education budgeting
- •CSE as a driver for quality education and retention
HIV/AIDS, STIs, and Sexual Health
Addressing HIV/AIDS, STIs prevention and treatment, and sexual health.
Key Topics:
- •Sustaining gains in HIV/AIDS and STIs prevention and treatment
- •Addressing resurgence among People Who Use and Inject Drugs
- •Expanding harm reduction programs
- •Domestic health financing and resource mobilization
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention and Health Lifestyles
Promoting prevention of non-communicable diseases and healthy lifestyle choices.
Key Topics:
- •Community-led NCD prevention and integration into primary health care
- •Promoting healthy behaviors, nutrition, exercise, and reducing harmful habits
- •Digital health tools for lifestyle change and risk monitoring
- •Innovations for early detection and screening in low-resource settings
Digital Health and Safety
Addressing digital health, online safety, and combating digital violence.
Key Topics:
- •Digital violence/ online harassment: gendered vulnerabilities and responses
- •Social media algorithms and adolescent mental health and behavior
- •Online gambling and betting addiction, emerging trends and policy responses
- •Leveraging technology for health, education and service delivery
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Supporting youth mental health and addressing substance abuse prevention and treatment.
Key Topics:
- •Rising mental health challenges among boys and young men
- •Suicide prevention strategies and psychosocial support
- •Substance abuse trends and government responses, progress and gaps
- •Community-driven interventions for mental health and addiction recovery
Important Dates
Mark these key deadlines in your calendar.
Registration Dates & Packages
Register during the early-bird window for lower rates. Packages and pricing match the online registration form.
Early Bird Registration
Opens 15 May 2026
Closes 15 July 2026
Late Registration
Opens 16 July 2026
Closes 31 July 2026
Students / Youth Discount
Shared accommodation incl. breakfast × 4 nights. Conference package (meals incl. dinner) × 3 days, t-shirt, and IEC materials.
Institutions / Partners
Non-sharing accommodation incl. breakfast × 4 nights. Conference package (meals incl. dinner) × 3 days, t-shirt, and IEC materials.
Half Package
Conference package (meals excl. dinner) × 3 days, t-shirt, and IEC materials.
Half Package — Youth Discount
Conference package (meals excl. dinner) × 3 days, t-shirt, and IEC materials.
Day Pass
Conference package, t-shirt, and IEC materials.
Program Schedule
A comprehensive three-day program of learning, engagement, and action in Windhoek.
Day 1: Research Indaba III
Evidence for Action — Youth-Led Research shaping Policy and Practice
- Setting the Stage, Opening Remarks & The Evidence Engine
- Youth-led abstract presentations across all 5 conference tracks
- Evidence to Action Plenary — translating research into regional realities
- Poster presentations & keynote: Evidence, Leadership and Legacy
- Launch of the SARSYC V Research Volume (2nd edition)
- Celebrating Evidence Excellence — awards for top oral presentations
Day 2: Forums & Engagements
Confronting suicide, substance use & sexual health challenges facing adolescent boys and young men — from keynote to the Young Men's Call to Action.
Advancing education equity, digital safety & healthy lifestyles for adolescent girls and young women, closing with the Young Women Call to Action.
Transforming evidence and dialogue into coordinated regional action — featuring the GEAR Alliance Impact Showcase and Alliance Spotlight.
Youth advocacy presentations and policy panels with parliamentarians and partners, capped by a high-level ministerial keynote.
An evening intergenerational dialogue (closed meeting) culminating in the signing of the SARSYC VI Youth Health and Education Accountability Compact.
Day 3: High-Level Engagement & Culture Night
High Level Engagement Platform | Official Ceremony
Official ceremony with anthems, SARSYC's twelve-year journey, UNESCO and Society for AIDS in Africa addresses, reading of the Windhoek Declaration by the Youth Steering Committee, and a SADC Parliamentary Forum reflection — From Gaborone to Windhoek.
University of Namibia choir interlude, keynote by the Governor of Khomas Region, and a Vote of Thanks from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia.
Cultural dress showcase, Sixteen Nations One Movement opening, Unity in Diversity keynote, traditional performances, then dinner, music and networking.
Culture Night Highlights
Southern African music, dance, and arts
Orathon
The Orathon is a separate post-conference activity in November 2026, extending SARSYC VI momentum beyond the main conference in Windhoek. Activities will take place across Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Namibia
- Malawi
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Registration is open for the regional Orathon — not part of the August 5-7 conference programme in Windhoek.
Welcome to Windhoek
Namibia's capital city, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, serves as the perfect backdrop for SARSYC VI.
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Explore Conference Tracks
Deep dive into each thematic area and discover how you can contribute.
Education Rights and Equity
Advancing education rights and equity for young people across Southern Africa.
Key Topics:
HIV/AIDS, STIs, and Sexual Health
Addressing HIV/AIDS, STIs prevention and treatment, and sexual health.
Key Topics:
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention and Health Lifestyles
Promoting prevention of non-communicable diseases and healthy lifestyle choices.
Key Topics:
Digital Health and Safety
Addressing digital health, online safety, and combating digital violence.
Key Topics:
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Supporting youth mental health and addressing substance abuse prevention and treatment.
Key Topics:
Be Part of SARSYC VI
Join 500+ youth leaders, researchers, and advocates in shaping the future of youth health and education in Southern Africa.