By Abudu Kimera
Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the State Minister of Youth and Children affairs at the ministry of gender, labor, and social development has pilled praises on the African Union’s One Million By 2021 Initiative.
The “One Million by 2021 Initiative” was launched in April 2019 to catalyze action for youth development in Africa.
The African Union Commission does this by facilitating connections between the AU Member States, corporate sponsors, and development partners to inspire investment in African youth.
It aimed at creating at least one million new opportunities for Young Africans in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and engagement across the continent and in the diaspora.
Speaking at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Youth Symposium at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala this week, Minister Mateke said that the initiative was a success because it even benefited Ugandan youth, who also gained through getting opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, employment, and engagement.
“The government is pleased to collaborate with the African Union Commission to implement the one million next level in Uganda that aims at accelerating the opportunities of young people by 2030,” she said
She also reminded the youth that they are the building blocks in the intervention of Africa on political, social, and economic issues that all need to be emphasized.
“You have to be strong and united with a respected voice by working together if you are to gain respect in the international arena,” Nyirabashitsi emphasized.
The Minister pledged that this shared value partnership will be instrumental in ensuring that the youth of Africa reach their potential.
Speaking at the event, Attilio Pacifici, the European Union ambassador in Uganda said that in the next four years the union is to contribute over one hundred euros to improve the inclusive sustainable growth of Ugandans in their efforts of doing better together.
“This will assist in creating jobs for youth, access to information equal access to education, and promoting sexual reproductive health” Attilio added.
He also pledged that his team will engage with the office of the Prime Minister to ensure that the steps in the peer review mechanism are implemented.
In his remarks read by Chido Mpema Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission said that marginalized communities shouldn’t be forgotten because it’s crucial that if we are speaking of lifting the youth all of them including those with disabilities should be considered and not left behind.
Esther Nankya the Vice-Chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC) said that this symposium is a firm statement for young people to strengthen effective governance, rule of law, democratic practice, and social and economic development.
“I call upon the youth to raise up, take responsibility, lead and not seat back let’s walk the talk also let’s reposition ourselves to have a role to play in the development of our continent” Nankya emphasized.
Anne Alan Sizomu the program specialist on Adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health at UNFPA Uganda highlighted that there is a need to listen to young people because for them to be empowered to innovate they need to be invested in.
The 3rd APRM Youth symposium is graced by the presence of dignitaries from the African Union, European Union, and over 800 delegates all over the continent.
