Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma Online Reporter
MANGWE Proportional Representation (PR) Councillor Simphiwe Vuyelwa Mguni last week represented Zimbabwe at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held in Vladivostok, Russia.
This prestigious opportunity followed her recognition as First Runner-Up at the 2024 South African BRICS Youth Association BRICS+ Youth Innovation Summit in Pretoria, South Africa.
Arising from this achievement, the management of Friends for Leadership extended an invitation for her to participate in the Forum under the New Generation Programme, a presidential initiative generously funded by the Russian Federation under the leadership of President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Putin.
Clr Mguni was among thirty participants selected worldwide for the distinguished programme.
Throughout the Forum, Clr Mguni attended a series of high-level plenary sessions that addressed pressing international issues.
Among these were the Russia–Laos Business Dialogue, a dedicated session on the United Nations Development Agenda 2030 and a landmark plenary attended by the Forum’s patron, Russian President Vladimir Putin Mongolia Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and a senior official of the Chinese Communist Party and Political Bureau member.
On the fourth day, she participated in the session entitled “Youth and Marketplaces 2030: Technologies, Entrepreneurship, and Regions in the New Reality”, which examined the future of e-commerce, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and the role of young people in shaping tomorrow’s economy.
Alongside these sessions, Clr Mguni toured exhibitions showcasing innovative projects and technologies that underscored the importance of regional collaboration and forward-looking development.
Cllr Mguni’s selection to participate in the New Generation Programme came in recognition of her contributions in digital communication and youth leadership.
These include her work as Head of Communication and PR for Arise Women of Africa, National Head of Information and Publicity for Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) Zimbabwe, and her role as founder and contributor to the Matabeleland South Information Desk.
She is also a Councillor in the Mangwe Rural District Council and daughter of the late Mangwe Legislator, ZANU PF Parliamentary Deputy Chief Whip, former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and astute businessman, Cde Obedingwa Mguni.
Clr Mguni expressed deep gratitude to Friends for Leadership and the New Generation Programme for affording her this opportunity.
She further acknowledged that such international platforms are made accessible to Zimbabwean youth through the engagement and re-engagement policies of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, policies that continue to place Zimbabwe at the centre of global dialogue and cooperation.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for his visionary engagement and re-engagement policies that have opened doors for Zimbabwean youth to access global opportunities such as the New Generation Programme.
“I am equally grateful to the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Putin, for creating this programme, which is shaping young leaders worldwide, and to Friends for Leadership for facilitating such a wonderful and fruitful platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation,” said Clr Mguni.
Core Team Member of Friends for Leadership Mr David Okpatuma highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“Friends for Leadership is an international network uniting next-generation leaders and entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, dedicated to sharing best practices and innovative solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. We inspire young change makers by fostering global collaboration, providing platforms for dialogue, and empowering them to drive sustainable impact through entrepreneurship and leadership.
“At the just-concluded 10th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, held under the theme ‘The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity’ from September 3–6, 2025, our dynamic delegates actively engaged in key sessions, spotlighting fresh perspectives and building partnerships to advance peace, prosperity, and innovative solutions for the region and beyond,” said Mr Okpatuma.
The New Generation Programme is a presidential initiative of the Russian Federation, implemented by Rossotrudnichestvo since 2011.
Its objective is to familiarise participants with Russia, strengthen international networks, and create pathways for joint projects and collaboration. The programme spans diverse thematic areas including diplomacy, science and education, media, entrepreneurship, culture, sport, and creative industries.
Participants attend forums, masterclasses, and internships across Russia, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, gaining both professional skills and cultural knowledge while forging lasting partnerships.
Follow on X :@mthabisi_mthire
