By Gamuchirai Tsokota
In a bid to engage the young generation to drive the implementation of the UN development goals at all levels, the Zimbabwe Youth for SDGs has launched the Zimbabwe Youth Champions for SDGs Program.
Speaking on the initiative, Zimbabwe Youth for SDGs Executive Director, Jasper Mangwana, said the youth have a key role to play in the attainment of the SDGs and this program will increase youth participation.
“Young people are drivers of the Global Goals and the main actors in the Decade of Action to ensure that sustainability is attained. Their participation in national processes cannot be replaced by anything.
“The Zimbabwe Youth Champions for SDGs Program creates a platform for young people to compete for a position to represent each SDG and be part of programs and activities on SDGs in Zimbabwe and beyond. The selected youth SDGs champions will be provided with training on leadership, mentorship by different stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy to ensure they are equipped for their roles. The program shall run every year providing 17 members with an opportunity to take their passion for a particular Sustainable Development Goal and leverage it to develop related programming and communications at the national level to raise awareness and work to advance the SDGs,” said Mangwana
He said the champions will serve a 12 month term after which another call for applications is made to ensure that more passionate youth gets an opportunity to serve.
“A lot of stakeholders will be engaged to ensure that each SDG champion will engage with the young people to ensure they are activated to play their pivotal role through peer-to-peer motivations. Gender equality will be considered as a key aspect in the selection of the ambassadors. People with disabilities, young women, girls and those from marginalised communities will also be given an equal chance,” explained Mangwana.
The initiative is being supported by different stakeholders from government, civic society, business and the diplomatic community.
Zimbabwe Youth SDGs – a not for profit-making organisation in Zimbabwe is passionate about the active participation of young people in the implementation of SDGs. Its programs, therefore, complement government efforts towards its vision to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. The Zimbabwe Youth SDGs appreciates the commitment of young people who are working in different communities on different development programs and projects that promote SDGs.
Young people are encouraged to apply on https://forms.gle/TdFBv91DYMAQhr4t9 , applications are closing on the 20th of September 2021.
