Youth Empowerment in the Global Crisis: Zambia’s Response

The symposium was held under the theme ‘Youth Empowerment in the Global Crisis: Zambia’s Response’ attracted more than 100 youths from across the country.

President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Rupiah Banda said in a speech read on his behalf by Sports and Child Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu that while the global crisis had mostly been addressed as a financial and corporate crisis, the adverse effects on lives, homes and communities especially on people needed specific attention. “We must cultivate and harness the energy of creativity of youth people towards innovative and relevant developmental issues.” He added.

Mr. Banda said that Zambia has signed a letter to the UN to apply for Youth Empowerment Lead Country status with the Youth Employment Network.

The CYP Regional Director for Africa said, “CYPRCA is proud of the commitment shown by the Government of Zambia in addressing youth issues and we reaffirm our commitment to work in partnership with other development partners to ensure that Zambia receives the necessary technical assistance needed to ensure appropriate levels of youth development.” He called upon the collaborating parties to continue supporting the Government of the republic of Zambia and the youth as they work toward the common goal of youth development.

ILO country director, Gerry Finnegan said the global crisis had prevented school-leavers and young university graduates from getting employment.  He urged the Government to come up with the Labour market information so that there could be statistics for school drop-outs, school leavers and graduates who may be employed.

The Zambia National Youth Symposium is an annual event organized by the National Youth Development Council (NYDC) under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development (MSYCD) of the Republic of Zambia. The symposium brings together youth leaders and youth development practitioners from all provinces of Zambia to deliberate on pertinent youth development issues.