6th Edition

SARSYC VI

Align for Action

Sustaining Progress in Youth Health and Education

August 5-8, 2026
Windhoek, Namibia

Countdown to Conference

Conference Theme

"Align for Action"

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.

Track 01

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
Track 02

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
Track 03

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
Track 04

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
Track 05

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.

Call for Abstracts Opens
February 1, 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline
March 31, 2026
DEADLINE
Notification of Acceptance
April 15, 2026
DEADLINE
Mentorship – Publication Period
May 1 - October 31, 2026
Regular Registration Closes
July 31, 2026
DEADLINE
SARSYC VI Conference (Days 1-3) + Orathon (Day 4)
August 5-8, 2026
MAIN EVENT

Program Schedule

A comprehensive program spanning four days of learning, engagement, and action.

1

Day 1: Research Indaba

A full day dedicated to research presentations, discussions, and knowledge exchange. Researchers and academics will share their findings and engage in critical dialogue.

Detailed schedule will be published once speakers are confirmed.

2

Day 2: Multiple Forums & Engagements

Mugota/Ixhiba Young Men's Forum

A dedicated space for young men to discuss health, education, and empowerment.

Web for Life Network Symposium

Exploring digital health solutions and online safety for young people.

Alliance Building Labs

Collaborative sessions to build strategic partnerships and networks.

Student Talks and Engagement with Policymakers and Partners

Direct dialogue between students, policymakers, and development partners.

Detailed schedule will be published once speakers are confirmed.

3

Day 3: Official Opening, Closing & Culture Night

Official Opening and Closing Ceremony

Formal opening and closing ceremonies with keynote addresses and official statements.

Culture Night

A celebration of Southern African culture, music, and arts showcasing the rich diversity of the region.

Detailed schedule will be published once speakers are confirmed.

4

Day 4: Post-Conference Activity - Orathon

Join us for a post-conference Orathon - a unique opportunity to continue the momentum and engagement beyond the formal conference sessions.

Register for Orathon

Registration required. More details coming soon.

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.

Conference Venue
The Life Science II Auditorium at the University of Namibia Hage Geingob Campus
Duration
3 days of learning, networking, and action
Expected Participants
500+ delegates from 14+ countries
Explore Venue & Accommodation

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Explore Conference Tracks

Deep dive into each thematic area and discover how you can contribute.

01

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
View Track Sessions
02

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
View Track Sessions
03

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
View Track Sessions
04

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
View Track Sessions
05

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
View Track Sessions

Be Part of SARSYC VI

Join 500+ youth leaders, researchers, and advocates in shaping the future of youth health and education in Southern Africa.

500+
Expected Participants
14+
Countries
50+
Expert Speakers