The summit’s goal was to explore the potential in the youth across the globe. Youths, only four of them from Africa, were given a platform to debate on the Post-2015 development agenda under the theme “Youth for Global Empowerment”.
This topic was expanded to a cross-cutting focus on several thematic areas including: conservation of biodiversity for sustainability, Eco-tourism developments in Africa, north-east India and its linkage to the Post-2015 Development Agenda, Youth against hunger, poverty eradication, food and nutrition, equal access to equality education and health, and ensuring inclusive recreation sport and culture.
Mapfumo gave a presentation on how Zimbabwean youths were handling the transition from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said efforts were being made to ensure that effective implementation of sustainable development was put in place and that come September 2015, when the United Nations will host a Summit to adopt an ambitious and transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda, all goals would be attained.
But he noted that much had yet to be done to ensure that the youths, who are the beneficiaries of this programme, are made aware of such initiatives as most do not even know about it. He went on to speak on the commitment of ZUNA in furthering issues to do with challenges of millennium development goals.
“Our ambition is to eradicate poverty and hunger, to achieve equitable and sustained economic growth and sustainable development, to protect the environment, and to promote peaceful and inclusive societies where no one is left behind. We commit to ensure gender equality and promote and respect, protect and fulfil all human rights, including the right to development,” he said.
Mapfumo also urged that youths engaged in critical issues to do with development. He cited ills like drug abuse, crime and sexual immorality as having increased as a result of youths being left out of decision-making, only to be used for personal gain by politicians.
“We are sick and tired of being treated with the ‘Give them syndrome’. We now advocate for ‘I can do syndrome’. Other areas to consider for empowerment are Eco-Tourism, and Bio diversity for Sustainability in Zimbabwe,” he said.
ZUNA President Fischer Chiyanike expressed confidence and enthusiasm at one of their own who was putting Zimbabwe on the map.
Mapfumo’s won the following awards: Global Youth Award, Best Presenter Award, Panel Speaker Award and Best Group work Award.
Post published in: News