Young Eritreans from the United States and Canada participated in the Eritrean Youth Conference (EYC) held in Arlington, Virginia from15-17 August 2005. The 3-Day long Conference was facilitated by Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Head of Political Affairs at the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ).  The EYC was similar to the European Regional Youth Conference held in Bielefeld, Germany from 21-24 April 2005.

H.E. Ambassador Girma Asmerom who was present at the opening of the Youth Conference welcomed all the participants and reminded them of the vital role played by Eritrean youth in the struggle for Eritrea's independence and today in the extraordinary nation building efforts in Eritrea. Ambassador Girma congratulated the participants and said the conference would provide an opportunity for young people to discuss prevailing issues that are of utmost importance to their country of origin, as well as to the Eritrean youth in the US and Canada and to serve the youth in the various Eritrean communities.

Youth representatives from Alabama, California, Colorado, District of Columbia Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, as well as Washington State joined Eritrean youth who came from Canadian cities of Calgary, London, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. The representatives presented reports on each of their regions and discussed them in great detail. They shared experiences, challenges and reiterated their desire to work with each other in future endeavors.

Mr. Yemane Gebreab underlined the importance of reaching out to the youth and providing venues for their active participation in local, community and national affairs. The youth were reminded that they were a historic group and the manner of their socialization, the values they adopt, the aspirations they have will shape the world of tomorrow - a world of peace and economic growth for their adopted nations as well as their country of origin, Eritrea.

Focusing on young people being the central aspect of economic and social development, the Conference signaled a beginning of a renewed effort to educate, mentor and lead Eritrean young men and women in the Eritrean Diaspora who are prone to high risk social behaviors, marginalization and disenfranchisement.  Their absorption into the various Eritrean communities, creating a strong, conscious and patriotic youth was the key agenda of the three-day forum

The Conference was an opportunity to help build the capacity of young people by providing the participants a venue for exploring issues of importance, gain new skills, and learn how to take action in their communities. The Eritrean youth in Eritrea and in the Diaspora are regarded as the basic pillars for progress, prosperity and the future, and the Conference enumerated their capabilities in promoting their communities' cultural, social, economic and political development.

On the last day, with clear goals and expectations in hand, the Youth Conference participants gathered for a night of networking, greater acquaintance, good food and dance before their departure. The youth received 'Certificates of Participation' from Mr. Yemane Gebreab and Ambassador Girma Asmerom.

On 14 August 2005, Mr. Yemane Gebreab also conducted a 5-hour long seminar with members of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) from all over the United States and Canada. H.E. Ambassador Girma Asmerom was also present.