How to tap into this vast potential to promote youth employment in the creative economy in Africa? This is the theme of a ministerial meeting to take place in Praia Cabo Verde from 28-30 November 2013.

"There is a real demand for cultural goods and services in the field of heritage and creativity is a growing industry that countries need to tap into," says Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director of UNESCO's Regional Office in Dakar.

The ministerial meeting will look into developing an integrated approach to generate policies for youth employment that combines the cultural and creative resources in Africa and education efforts.

"This could significantly boost employment among youth, which is so badly needed in Africa," says Ndong-Jatta.

It is an opportunity to address the policies that need to be put in place for the next 5 to 10 years to improve the employment situation of young people in African.

Defining a Declaration of Praia

The meeting will bring together ministers and high-level government officials of different departments including education, culture and youth, as well as delegates, experts and cultural entrepreneurs from the following seven countries: Angola, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'voire, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal.

They will share experiences and innovative practices in policies related to education, culture, youth and employment.

The ministerial meeting is organized by UNESCO and the Government of Cape Verde. It is expected to propose a new framework entitled "Declaration of Praia", including a national roadmap for countries to promote youth employment through creativity, as well as set priorities for the next four years.