Black Futures Exchange
US – South Africa Youth Dialogues on the G20 Agenda
The Black Futures Exchange program is an independent initiative designed to engage Black youth from the U.S. and South Africa in meaningful dialogue and action around solidarity, equity, and sustainability.
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As a collaboration between BLKHLTH, IKhaya Le Langa / InSTED, and Point B, this program fosters knowledge exchange, skill-building, and cross-cultural solidarity, equipping youth with the tools to drive sustainable and equitable futures in their communities and beyond.
The Black Futures Exchange program topics align with key G20 themes, ensuring that Black youth perspectives contribute to broader global discussions.
The program will produce publicly available outputs, including research findings, policy recommendations, and multimedia content that highlight youth-driven solutions.
About BLKHLTH
BLKHLTH is a majority Black women-led 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on advancing health equity through antiracist education, advocacy, research, and programs. With expertise in developing culturally relevant programming, BLKHLTH seeks to disrupt the pathways between racism and poor health outcomes for Black people and communities in the U.S. and South Africa.
Recognizing the growing desire among future health professionals to engage in local health equity advocacy, BLKHLTH introduced the BLKHLTH Community Advocacy for Racial Equity School (CARES), a transformative racial health equity fellowship program. The fellowship consists of a series of online learning modules taught by BLKHLTH and expert guest speakers, equipping undergraduate and graduate students pursuing health careers with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience essential to advocate for racial health equity in their local communities. BLKHLTH is not just shaping future health professionals; it is shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.
About IKhaya le Langa and InSTED
Ikhaya le Langa is a non-profit organization that empowers the people of Langa through mentorship, idea incubation, and trauma healing, creating a sustainable space for growth and innovation. The organization’s work led to the creation of South Africa's first Social Enterprise Precinct (SEP), Langa Quarter, which integrates the principles of "people, planet, and profit" into every community initiative.
Building on twelve years of immersive research and development at Ikhaya le Langa, the Institute for Sustainable Township Enterprise Development (InSTED) was established as a township-based resource dedicated to promoting sustainable community development. InSTED connects 73 township communities across South Africa, sharing resources, educational programs, and support to empower residents to implement sustainable practices. Through partnerships and networking, InSTED fosters peer-to-peer learning and collective action, driving unity, resilience, and sustainability.
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InSTED also prioritizes women and youth development, ensuring that these groups are at the forefront of efforts to drive social change, economic empowerment, and community leadership. Together, Ikhaya le Langa and InSTED form a comprehensive model for social enterprise and community empowerment, creating sustainable growth and development in South Africa's township communities.
About Point B
Point B is dedicated to reshaping travel by promoting sustainable tourism that minimizes environmental impact while supporting local communities. The platform curates eco-conscious accommodations and experiences, handpicked for their commitment to sustainability, from eco-lodges in natural landscapes to community-run homestays fostering cultural exchange.
Focused on three core values—cultural heritage sustainability, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment—Point B encourages travelers to make mindful choices that benefit both the planet and its people. The goal is to inspire a global community of conscientious travelers, ensuring travel becomes a force for positive change.
Program Components
Virtual
Engagement
April 2025 - July 2025 U.S. and South African students will attend online learning sessions related to the five G20 priority topics and intersectional themes - Health Women’s empowerment Tourism Culture Environment and climate sustainability The program will include 25 students from each country, with at least 50% women, to ensure diverse perspectives and foster gender equity in leadership. Based on their interests and educational background, students will be assigned to a group focused on one of the G20 priority topics. At the end of each online learning session, students will join their assigned group to collaborate and work on developing their presentations for the final showcase. This gender balance supports the program's commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and equitable leadership opportunities.
Mentorship & Guidance
Each topic group will be assigned a mentor with expertise in their respective area to provide guidance and support throughout the research and presentation development process.
Guest Speaker Sessions
Experts in health, policy, social justice, and the G20 themes will engage with participants throughout the program.
Heritage & Health trip to South Africa
August 2025 : U.S. students will visit South Africa for in-person learning, cultural exchange, and presentations of their findings alongside their South African G20 topic group members.
Public
Showcase
August 2025; during the Heritage & Health Trip U.S. and South African students in each topic area will partner to present their learnings, research, and policy and community recommendations in a creative and engaging presentation. This showcase will take place in-person in Langa township, Cape Town, and will also be recorded and made available for public access online.
PROGRAM GOALS
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Foster transational solidarity between Black university students in the U.S. and South Africa through structured collaboration and shared learning.
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Equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement innovative solutions to key G20 themes, including challenges in: health, women’s empowerment, tourism, culture, and environment and climate sustainability.
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Provide a platform for youth to conduct research, share insights, and present actionable recommendations that address pressing global issues related to these five priority areas.
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Make youth-driven outputs publicly available to inform policy, advocacy, and community action.
WHY NOW?
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This program is a direct act of international solidarity, demonstrating that Black communities remain committed to global engagement, mutual support, and collaborative problem-solving.
