The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people to take a leading role in Zimbabwe’s development, describing youth as critical drivers of innovation, community transformation and long-term national prosperity.
The commitment was made yesterday during the launch of the Youth Empowerment Leadership Programme (YELP), an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and supported by the broader UN system in Zimbabwe.
Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, Rodolphe K. Kalapurakal, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative, Miranda Tabifor said the UN remains committed to investing in young people as leaders, innovators and agents of change capable of shaping a better future for the country.
“The launch of YELP reflects the UN’s belief that young people should not merely be beneficiaries of development programmes but active participants in designing and driving solutions to the challenges facing their communities,” she said.
The programme seeks to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to socioeconomic development while fostering active citizenship and community engagement.
According to UN, YELP is designed to strengthen the capacity of young people to become influential voices in their communities and play a greater role in advancing sustainable development.
“The initiative aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity needed to actively contribute to socioeconomic development and drive positive change in their communities,” Tabifor said.
Tabifor said investing in young people today is essential for building stronger communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
“Together, we are investing in young people to shape a more inclusive, prosperous, and resilient future for Zimbabwe,” she said.
The YELP initiative is expected to provide participants with leadership training, mentorship opportunities and practical skills that can be applied in community development, entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Zimbabwe has one of the youngest populations in the region, with young people constituting a significant share of the country’s population
The United Nations and its partners have continued to support programmes aimed at enhancing youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, education and community development as part of efforts to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
