Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in Busan, South Korea
Zimbabwe’s leading delegates to the IYF Leaders Mind Forum in Busan, South Korea, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga and Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tavengwa, were on Wednesday honoured with VIP Appreciation Plaques by International Youth Fellowship (IYF) founder Pastor Ock Soo Park.
This honour bestowed at the closing ceremony of the forum, was in recognition of their commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and strengthening international cooperation.
The award marked the culmination of several days of discussions that brought together leaders, policymakers, educators and youth representatives from around the world to explore innovative approaches to transforming young people’s mindsets through character education, leadership and international cooperation.
Following the conclusion of the forum, delegates moved to Seoul, where the World Camp programme continues with cultural exchanges, educational visits, sightseeing and tours of some of South Korea’s leading institutions.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Pastor Ock Soo Park said the future of every nation depended on leaders who invested in transforming the minds of young people.
“Our greatest responsibility is to help young people develop the right mindset. When the mind changes, lives change, communities change and nations develop. Through partnership and sincere dialogue, we can build a generation that serves others with integrity, gratitude and hope,” he said.
He commended leaders from different countries for embracing the IYF philosophy of Christianity, saying international collaboration remained key to addressing challenges facing today’s youths.
Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga described the recognition as an honour not only for her but for Zimbabwe and its people.
“This recognition belongs to the people of Zimbabwe, especially our young people whose potential continues to inspire us,” Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga said.
“The discussions held during this forum have reaffirmed that sustainable development begins with transforming the mind. When young people are equipped with values, discipline and purpose, they become agents of positive change in their communities and nations.”
She said Zimbabwe stood to benefit immensely from continued partnerships with South Korea through youths exchanges, arts and cultural collaboration, education, entrepreneurship and skills development.
“The friendships and partnerships built here should not end with this conference. They must translate into practical programmes that empower our youths through education, innovation, culture and enterprise. Together we can create opportunities that benefit both our nations,” she said.
Throughout the forum, delegates participated in high-level leadership discussions, business networking sessions and cultural exchange programmes designed to strengthen international cooperation.
Business engagements created opportunities for participants to exchange ideas on investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and youth-led enterprises, while exhibitions showcased products, technology and cultural heritage from participating countries.
The forum also celebrated cultural diversity through colourful performances featuring traditional music, dance and artistic presentations from different nations, highlighting culture as a powerful tool for promoting unity, mutual understanding and international friendship.
One of the highlights of the programme was an educational tour of the Hyundai Motor manufacturing plant, where the VIP’s delegates witnessed South Korea’s advanced vehicle production systems, technological innovation and industrial efficiency.
Participants said the visit provided valuable lessons on manufacturing excellence, automation, quality control and workforce discipline, offering insights that could contribute to industrial development in their respective countries.
Zimbabwean delegates said the exposure reinforced the importance of combining innovation, skills development and the right mindset to drive national economic growth.
While the Leaders Mind Forum has officially concluded in Busan, activities continue in Seoul, where thousands of participants attending the IYF World Camp are expected to take part in educational tours, cultural experiences, sightseeing programmes and visits to historical and technological landmarks.
Reflecting on her address during the Leaders Mind Forum, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, said the future of every nation is determined by how it nurtures its children, stressing that lasting transformation begins with shaping young minds from an early age.
She urged governments, parents, educators and community leaders to work together in instilling values such as integrity, discipline, responsibility and compassion, noting that children should be equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with strong moral character.
Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga said investing in children today is an investment in peaceful, prosperous and resilient societies, adding that every child deserves an environment that inspires them to dream, lead and become responsible citizens capable of driving national and continental development.
Organisers say the remaining programme is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of South Korea’s development journey while strengthening friendships and fostering lasting partnerships among young people from across the globe.
The IYF World Camp has attracted about 20 000 delegates from dozens of countries, making it one of the world’s largest youth leadership and cultural exchange gatherings dedicated to promoting character education, global citizenship and international cooperation.
