Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has challenged the youth in Africa and Arab countries to lead the way in solving emerging global challenges saying they have the potential to make the world a better place.
Speaking on Friday when he addressed the Afro-Arab Youth Congress in Kampala, Uganda, Prof. Kindikihighlighted the youth’s crucial role in digital transformation, climate action, governance, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and enhanced entrepreneurship in both regions.
The Youth Congress was also addressed by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and other dignitaries.
“This is your moment. Be bold in your imagination, be fearless in your action, and be united in your purpose. The world is watching Africa and the Arab world. The future of our regions depends not on what is done for the youth, but on what is done by the youth,” he said.
The two regions, DP stated, are endowed with a young and vibrant generation that needs to be fully tapped and involved to improve their fortunes.
“Africa and the Arab world are the youngest regions on earth. With more than 65 percent of our population below the age of 35, we are living not just with a demographic reality, but with a generational opportunity, loaded with huge dividends if well harnessed,” he noted.
The DP expressed Kenya’s commitment to support all endeavors aimed at empowering the youth in order to make them more skilled, innovative and influential in the world.
“Kenya commits to strengthening partnerships that empower youth through training, mentorship, and financing; promoting innovation ecosystems where startups can thrive and expand across Afro-Arab markets; expanding educational and cultural exchanges for our youth to learn, collaborate, and lead together; and championing youth voices in regional, continental, and global decision-making,” he indicated.
Kindiki further encouraged stronger Afro-Arab cooperation to create jobs and unlock investments for young entrepreneurs saying young people are already driving digital innovation via fintech startups in Nairobi and AI solutions in Dubai.
Also they are leading climate justice movements, championing renewable energy in Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya, strengthening cultural diplomacy through music, film and art in South Africa, Uganda, Qatar and Lebanon and building social enterprises that offer new solutions to unemployment and inequality in Algeria, Nigeria, Tanzania and other countries.
“This is proof that youth are not leaders of tomorrow, they are the change-makers of today… the torch is in your hands, lift it high, carry it forward, and light the way for future generations,” he reiterated.
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