Third Edition
2026 Adolescent Girls Summit
"Count us in: African Adolescents Co-Creating Solutions to Advance Gender Justice and Rights"
March 31 - April 3, 2026 | Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire
About 2026 AGS
Following the success of the 2024 AGS, adolescents emphasized the importance of language justice and expressed the need for the 2026 AGS to be held in a French-speaking country. As a result, the 2026 AGS will take place in Côte d'Ivoire, home to four GFC partner organizations actively implementing leadership and empowerment programs for adolescent girls, with boys participating.
As usual the adolescent girls and boys will lead the planning and execution of the summit, with support from Global Fund for Children and its partners. The summit will prioritize the inclusion of adolescents from underrepresented and marginalized groups, such as rural girls, girls with disabilities, teenage mothers, and girls living with HIV. Adolescents will serve as speakers, moderators and facilitators throughout the summit.
This edition of the AGS is unique because rather than collecting the hopes and dreams of adolescents and youth into one document, it will focus on the development of action plans for the movement to lead their advocacy efforts over the years till 2028. Additionally, this edition will feature for the first time the Adolescent Leadership and Innovation Awards, which seeks to recognize and celebrate the achievements of adolescents and youth active in the movement.
Building on the momentum of AGS 2022 and 2024 to create lasting change
Adolescent-Led Planning Process
The AGS is unique in its adolescent-led approach - from planning to execution. Adolescent girls and boys lead the way, supported by experienced mentors and partners. The planning process spans over a year, allowing for thoughtful preparation and engagement.
1. National Consultations
The planning process begins with National Consultations in countries where GFC's partners implement adolescent-focused programs. These create platforms for adolescents to determine the AGS plans, content, agenda, and sessions.
2. Constitution of Committees
Adolescents join various planning committees: Communications & Awards, Program Design, Logistics, and Safeguarding & Documentation. Each provides hands-on experience in decision-making and event management.
3. Regional Adolescents Advisory Panel
Each country elects two representatives - one girl and one boy - to serve on the Regional Advisory Panel. This panel ensures voices from all participating countries are effectively represented.
4. Virtual & In-Person Planning Meetings
GFC and partners support adolescents to host planning meetings with the Adolescent Influencers Movement, including an in-person planning meeting with the Advisory Panel in the host country.
Planning Committees by Country
Nigeria
Communications & Awards
Ghana
Program Design
Côte d'Ivoire
Logistics
Guinea
Networking & Culture
Liberia
Safety & Wellbeing
Sierra Leone
Documentation
2026 Summit Details
Participant Composition
The 2026 AGS is expected to gather a diverse group of 250 participants:
- Adolescent girls and boys aged 10–19
- Youth aged 20–25
- Representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, funders, and the private sector
First-Time Travelers Priority
A unique aspect of this edition will be its focus on first-time travelers, offering adolescents who have never had the opportunity to attend such events a chance to participate.
A select group of past participants will serve as mentors, providing guidance and support to ensure a meaningful experience for newcomers.
Participating Regions
The 2026 AGS will draw participants from across Africa and beyond:
Western Africa
Eastern Africa
Northern Africa
Southern Africa
Guests from Latin America & Europe
Thematic Focus Areas
Key focus areas to be addressed during the 2026 Summit:
Gender Justice & Rights
Healthy masculinities & challenging norms
AYSRHR
Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
SGBV Prevention
Ending sexual & gender-based violence
Leadership
Building confident Adolescent and Youth leaders
Intersectionality & Inclusion
Prioritizing marginalized girls
Girls & STEM
STEM education & technology for girls
Climate Action
Adolescent and Youth-led environmental advocacy
Entrepreneurship
Social entrepreneurship and non-traditional career paths
Expected Outcomes
Empowered Adolescent Girls
A greater number of adolescent girls feel more confident, empowered, and motivated to take on leadership roles in their communities.
Practical Tools & Skills for Agency and Advocacy
Adolescent girls acquire practical tools, knowledge, and skills to have agency over their lives and advocate for their rights effectively.
Heightened Awareness on Girls Issues
Policy makers, community leaders, and stakeholders gain increased awareness of the capacity and potential of adolescent girls to participate in decision-making.
Strengthened Movement
Adolescents develop increased advocacy skills, enabling them to contribute to solutions addressing pressing societal issues and achieve greater inclusion in community and national dialogues.
Visibility of AGS Impact
Increased visibility and awareness of the AGS impact across Africa and the international community.
Structured Plan for Implementing Change
The 2026 AGS will go beyond declarations and calls to action, developing a concrete and structured action plan to drive measurable progress over the next two years.
Innovation for 2026
Adolescent Leadership and Innovation Awards
The 2026 AGS will include Awards package to celebrate adolescents and youth who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and have implemented impactful initiatives within their communities and countries.
Who Can Attend
All adolescent girls and boys aged 10-19, as well as youth aged 20-25 are eligible to take part in the AGS. However, they must be:
- 1 Active participants in local organizations' program aiming at achieving gender justice and rights.
- 2 Sponsored by family members, national/international organizations, funders, or private sector
Government officials, community leaders, civil society organizations, international organizations, UN agencies, funders and private sector for intergenerational and policy dialogues.
How Can Organizations Support 2026 AGS
AGS is also a space where international organizations, UN agencies, funders and private sector come together to collaborate, learn, and unite in their efforts to support and empower adolescent girls as well as advance gender justice. Partner with us to realize the vision of the 2026 AGS.
Ways to Contribute
- • Fund pooling to support overall planning, execution and post-summit advocacy activities
- • Sponsor adolescent and youth participants from underprivileged and underrepresented communities
- • Support logistics including venue, meals, accommodation, and workshop resources
- • Technical support as a technical advisory organization offering expertise
- • In-kind contributions such as technology, translation services, or media coverage
- • Sponsor the Adolescent Leadership and Innovation Awards
What You can Gain from the Collaboration
- • Contribute to achieving SDGs, especially gender justice and rights, education, and health
- • Gain valuable information about the challenges, needs, and aspirations of adolescent girls
- • Build your reputation as champions for gender justice and rights
- • Network with like-minded organizations and funders
Get in Touch
For partnership opportunities or sponsorship inquiries:
Amé Atsu David
Regional Co-Director, Africa
Global Fund for Children
Remijus Iweobi
Program Officer, West Africa
Global Fund for Children
Explore the AGS journey