AU commission to hold youth symposium in Byo

Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor

THE African Union Commission’s Special Envoy for Youth Ms Chido Cleopatra Mpemba will be in Bulawayo starting tomorrow to host a youth symposium and training on climate change and entrepreneurship.

The symposium set for 1 July to 5 July is being held in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Bulawayo’s Hustlers Summit.

The youth symposium is set to equip and empower young people with meaningful and relevant skills essential for engaging in climate action, ranging from understanding climate science to effective advocacy strategies ahead of global engagements to ensure access and opportunities for Zimbabwean youth.

Contacted for a comment, Ms Mpemba, who was in Brazil for the G20 preparatory meetings as part of the youth engagement committee said she was excited to host the youth symposium in Bulawayo noting that it will allow her to interact with the youth in crafting solutions to the climate change question.

“I’m looking forward to being in Bulawayo for the Climate Change Symposium, The African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032) acknowledges the urgency of engaging youth in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.

“It emphasises the importance of empowering African youth through meaningful platforms and programmes to ensure their voices and perspectives are adequately represented in decision-making processes,” said Ms Mpemba.
Chief Executive Officer of the Hustlers Summit, Mr Nkosana George Mazibisa confirmed that Ms Mpemba, a former student of Girls College in Bulawayo, will headline the symposium, as part of her diplomatic duties in the AU Commission.

“Preparations are at an advanced stage for the hosting of the symposium, delegates will be drawn from different youth associations, clubs and networks to promote inclusion and cross-pollination of ideas in formulating solutions around climate change.

“The symposium will feature interactive sessions, expert presentations, group discussions, and practical activities aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of climate change, fostering leadership skills, and facilitating networking opportunities,” said Mr Mazibisa.

The symposium will conclude with a tree-planting activity across Bulawayo spearheaded by Ms Mpemba.

“To date, the youth envoy has planted a total of 500 trees including in Kenya, Madagascar and South Africa as part of an initiative to encourage young people to take climate action in their communities and to play their part in offsetting their carbon footprints,” said Mr Mazibisa.