By Kondwani Kabvina | LILONGWE — Youth delegates have called for greater action and implementation of ideas as the National Youth Summit, organised by the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), concludes today at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

Speaking to Millennium Online Radio, Duwarna Muhammad from Mangochi expressed gratitude to NYCOM for giving her an opportunity to share her experience and inspire young girls who are considering dropping out of school due to poverty.

Muhammad also commended the government for introducing free secondary education, describing the initiative as an important step towards reducing school dropouts among young people.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Young Developers Collaboration Theatre, Fumbani Phiri Junior, who received a K1 million award in the creative sector, thanked the summit organisers for recognising the contribution of the creative industry to society.

Phiri said art should go beyond entertainment and serve as a tool for social advocacy and community development.

However, he raised concern over what he described as inadequate representation of the creative sector at the summit, saying greater participation from creatives would have brought diverse perspectives to the discussions.

In a separate interview, youth delegate from Mangochi, Derbie Saopa, said the summit had challenged young people to take greater responsibility for creating opportunities instead of relying solely on government or employers.

Saopa cited remarks by Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer Phillip Madinga that Malawi does not lack ideas or policies but struggles with implementation.

He has since challenged policymakers who attended the summit to return next year with evidence of progress and tangible results from the commitments and discussions made during this year's gathering.

A total of 1,200 youth delegates attended this year's summit, which attracted more than 5,000 applicants.

The summit was held from 18 to 20 August 2026 under the theme: “Accelerating Progress: Reflecting on Impact, Expanding Prospects for Youth Development in Malawi.”