Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika
INNOVATIONS by Zimbabwean youths are set to change and possibly save the country from natural disasters such as climate change, a cabinet minister has said.
The Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbra Rwodzi said the role of youths in nation-building is critical, as they have ideas and innovations that affect the future.
Deputy Minister Rwodzi made the remarks while addressing youths and other delegates at a symposium titled Young People Driving Transformative Innovation For Climate Change held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
“In other words, the intelligence and work of the youth will take the country on the pathway of success. They are the building blocks of a country. The youth are the owners of the future and have the privilege to be more educated than the previous generation, in terms of school, knowledge and skill.
“We are different from them because they implement theory to practicality. Unlike when our generation was growing up because the education system was based more on theory than skill,” said deputy minister Rwodzi.
She said it was amazing to see how Zimbabwean youth were gifted with ideas which they are turning into reality through innovations.
“It’s amazing to see Zimbabwean youth prosper. I don’t mean to brag but I know that Zimbabweans are smart. What these young people are doing is amazing in terms of innovation and it can only be great for the government to partner with non-governmental organisations such as UNDP and Unicef to ensure that we propel these young people and make sure their dreams are realised,” she said.
She said human capital development, the youth in particular, would propel the country to economic success through innovation will drive the NDS1 and the country’s prospects towards Vision 2030.
“When you go through their ideas on paper you would think they are just saying things like we used to do. But when you see it in reality it’s amazing, I am perplexed about what I saw outside and what I have been seeing when we attend conferences. The youth across the world are the future,” said deputy minister Rwodzi.
She said the world was faced with the climate change crisis, which the youth were now pressed to find solutions to.
“Climate change has two key issues, adaptation and mitigation. Climate change is affecting the whole world, it knows no boundaries, colour, tribe, no place or anybody as an individual. Sometimes when I am alone, I appreciate the catastrophe for one thing. It brings people together whether we like it or not, we are put together as a people, as a world and a globe in trying to come up with solutions to mitigate climate change. It’s different from when you start discussing politics or business,” said deputy minister Rwodzi.
She said to adapt and mitigate climate change the youth had to be included in all aspects. “For mitigation and adaptation of climate change to see its way through to all societies we have to include the youth. They are the champions of climate change solutions. Most of us, in fact the elderly struggle to understand agricultural concepts like Pfumvudza. It is a smart agriculture solution, which doesn’t affect the crop in any weather pattern,” said deputy minister Rwodzi.
Unicef deputy representative Zeinab Adam who was also present at the event said investment in youth is very important.
“With the right support, mentorship can be upscaled to ensure youth take the lead in climate change solutions and making the world a better place for themselves, future and for generations to come. Unicef will be working with partners to upscale the best and most promising innovations. Support is needed from the government, development and private sectors will be critical to grow these initiatives. We call on young people to help each other and communities. They should continue being innovative and refine their ideas,” she said.
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