YOUTH ARE THE CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WHEN EMPOWERED AND HELD ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCOUNTABLE – KIKWETE.



These remarks were made by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Ridhiwani Kikwete, while addressing the World Youth Forum held in Suzhou, China.


The forum, which brought together young people from different countries around the globe — including those from civil society organizations, national and international agencies, and various governments — carried the message: "Youth are the Catalyst for Sustainable Development and Should Be Given Space to Showcase Their Presence." It concluded with resolutions that each participating country is expected to consider in order to enhance youth welfare and participation in national development.


The forum also aimed at evaluating progress made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) from a youth perspective. It was attended virtually by the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, and the UNFPA Resident Representative in China, Ms. Nadia Rasheed. Both speakers emphasized the importance of governments and development partners creating platforms to listen to and motivate youth to engage in various development sectors and to unite in the pursuit of their goals, including those aimed at empowerment and continued growth.


In his address, Minister Kikwete highlighted various milestones achieved by the Sixth Phase Government of Tanzania in empowering youth. These include significant policy, legal, and development planning efforts. He elaborated on initiatives such as the allocation of 10% of local government revenue to youth, 30% of public procurement opportunities, public empowerment loans including through NEEC and BEST, reduction of interest rates in commercial banks for youth borrowers, formulation of a new National Youth Policy, and impactful development programs like BBT-Mining, Agriculture, and Livestock, which have already shown remarkable results.


The forum, which concluded successfully, marked the 14th meeting of member countries and created opportunities for member states to meet, exchange experiences, and jointly address the various challenges facing youth globally.



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