EKN Regional Advisory Meeting (RAG) for the Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands (EKN) is committed to enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through a comprehensive regional programme running from 2021 to 2026. The Annual Regional Advisory Group (RAG) Meeting, convened by EKN, was held from 24 to 26 September 2025 in Luanda, Angola, bringing together youth representatives, the six consortium partners in the regional SRHR programme (UNFPA, Young Africa, UNDP, IOM, Aidsfonds, Frontline AIDS), implementing partners, and the regional stakeholders.

The meeting provided a platform to review progress to date, consolidate learnings, and chart a clear pathway for sustainability and collaboration into 2026 and beyond.

The first two days were dedicated to field visits followed by a three-day meeting where partners convened to discuss programme developments and strategies. The field visits provided insight into inclusive SRHR services and triggered meaningful reflections on accessibility, community resilience, and young people’s agency within health and livelihood systems.

A highlight of the RAG meeting was the Youth Engagement, where youth leaders representing different programmes  under the regional SRHR programme openly shared achievements, challenges, and priority needs. Discussions underscored the importance of peer-to-peer learning, mental health support, continuous mentorship, livelihoods skills training and funded platforms for youth advocacy and entrepreneurship.

“You cannot talk about health without talking about livelihoods. If someone who is on ARVs is financially independent, they can afford to buy and eat nutritious food to enhance their health.  The Skills2Live (S2L) programme is helping young people to make better choices for their bodies and their futures”, said a young person from the S2L programme in Mozambique.

“Visiting the different projects showed me what inclusion should look like. Every young person deserves equal access to information and services,” said a young person from the S2L programme in Angola.

The young participants expressed deep gratitude for being included in a space where their voices were welcomed and valued, highlighting that it was rare to sit at the same table with donors and implementing partners. They appreciated the opportunity to speak candidly about their realities and thanked the organising partners for facilitating an environment of openness and trust, where they could share both successes and struggles without fear of judgement.

The RAG meeting concluded with clear action points, which include aligning national exit plans, and documenting impact stories for wider dissemination. Overall, the RAG meeting reinforced that sustainability lies not only in institutions, but in relationships, shared vision, and inter-country solidarity. Participants left Luanda with renewed energy, defined commitments, and a collective roadmap for the final phase of the Regional SRHR Programme and beyond.