In 2026, a new generation of young leaders in Sudan marked a significant milestone as the ninth cohort of the International Youth Federation (IYF) Young Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) successfully completed their one-year journey – demonstrating resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to shaping their communities.

The graduation ceremony brought together participants, families, programme leadership, and distinguished guests in a moment of shared pride. More than a formal conclusion, the event stood as a testament to perseverance in the face of challenging circumstances and to the transformative power of structured youth development.

“This graduation carries a weight of significance that transcends the ordinary. Despite the challenges faced in recent years, our participants have demonstrated that when given the right tools, young people do not simply endure – they lead. Today’s graduates move forward not only with a diploma, but with the credibility and resilience forged through real-world adversity.” Said Ms. Nada Alqahtani, IYF Regional Director of Middle East & North Africa.

The YLDP, administered by IYF, continues to serve as a flagship initiative aimed at equipping young people with leadership competencies, employability skills, and the capacity to actively contribute to civic and public life.

“Today is more than a graduation – it is a proof of concept. The results we are seeing confirm that targeted, experiential leadership training can produce resilient outcomes even in high-pressure environments, and position youth as critical drivers of recovery and nation-building.” Elise Verdooner, Chief Technical Adviser, Young Leadership Development Programme (YLDP).

As highlighted during the ceremony, youth participation is central to sustainable development and effective governance. The programme responds to a growing need for structured pathways that enable young people to engage meaningfully in decision-making processes and community development efforts.

This year’s graduates successfully fulfilled all academic and practical requirements, earning the IYF Diploma in Leadership following the completion of the programme’s rigorous curriculum and assessment process. The ninth cohort’s journey was shaped by a particularly complex national context. Despite disruptions and operational challenges, participants continued their learning, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

As noted in the keynote address, the graduation itself represents more than academic success – it reflects the ability of young leaders to navigate uncertainty and lead through crisis. YLDP adopts an experiential learning model that combines structured training with practical leadership exposure. Participants develop competencies in critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving – skills that are immediately applicable within their communities and professional pathways. Graduates of the programme are increasingly recognized not only for their academic achievements, but for their ability to translate knowledge into action.

“You have not just read about leadership; you have practiced it under pressure… the world needs leaders who can build solutions from the ground up.” Said Dr. Hajer Ahmed, a graduate from YLDP Batch nine.

The ceremony underscored the collective nature of this achievement. Families, mentors, and programme teams played a critical role in supporting participants throughout their journey. The continued commitment of local leadership and advisory structures has also been instrumental in sustaining programme delivery, even in complex environments.

Building on the success of the Sudan programme, IYF is advancing plans to expand YLDP to additional countries across the region, including the launch of a pilot in Egypt. This expansion reflects both the demand for structured youth leadership initiatives and the proven impact of the “Sudan Model,” which combines technical training, mentorship, and practical experience.

Previous programme cycles have already demonstrated growing interest, with increasing application rates and strong engagement from young people seeking opportunities to develop leadership skills.

As the graduates move forward, they carry not only a diploma, but a responsibility – to contribute to their communities, to lead with integrity, and to shape a more inclusive and resilient future. Their journeys reflect the core values of the programme: resilience, innovation, and a commitment to service.