Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
KOREAN Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Park Jaekyung, has pledged his country’s continued support towards youth empowerment and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
He said investment in young people remained central to building resilient societies.
Speaking at a MIKTA Seminar 2025 in Harare yesterday, Ambassador Park said Korea, which currently holds the chairmanship of MIKTA, had anchored its own economic development on strategic human capital investment.
MIKTA is an informal middle power partnership between Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkiye and Australia. Ambassador Park said Zimbabwean youth could equally benefit from targeted support in education, vocational training, climate action and gender equality initiatives.
“Strategic investment in human capital with a focus on youth has been the very development strategy of my country,” he said.
“Youth empowerment is essential for sustainable development, whether through education, protecting them from harmful environments such as substance abuse and early marriage or by encouraging international networks.”
Outlining ongoing projects, the Ambassador said an ICT laboratory is being established at the Zimbabwe Open University and will be completed before the year’s end.
The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art visitor education tools and a virtual conference centre.
He said in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Korea has been providing technical consultations to the Zimbabwean Government on promoting digital income streams.
Every year, Korea offers scholarships to around 15 Zimbabwean students for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in Korean universities.
The packages cover full tuition and monthly living allowances. In sports development, the Ambassador said there was a partnership with the F1 Taekwondo Club led by young instructor Nacharae Shemaritza. “She uses her Taekwondo skills to help young people develop self-discipline and stand against early marriages,” he said.
Ambassador Park also said Korea, working with UNICEF and the Zimbabwean Government, was implementing a US$5 million programme in Harare, Chitungwiza, Mangwe and Binga to strengthen health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene systems.
The initiative also empowers children to have a voice in climate governance.
Encouraging the youth, Ambassador Park said: “Live boldly, work diligently, and let your innovation be your priority. May your innovations flourish for yourself, your family, your community and your beautiful country.”
