• Human Development

Rwanda Celebrates International Youth Day

On August 22nd, 2015 Rwanda celebrated International Youth Day, under the global theme of “Youth Civic Engagement”. An event was held in Musanze district, with smaller celebrations across the country. With youth accounting for the largest percentage of Rwandan population, the celebrations reminded them of their unique role in shaping development both in Rwanda and around the world.

International Youth Day usually takes place on August 12th, but was adjourned to be celebrated on August 22nd to attract the largest number of participants.  Rwanda has a large youth population, exceeding 50% of the total population. The country also faces the same challenge as many other states in the world concerning insufficient youth employment. The Rwandan Government chose to partner with the United Nations in Rwanda to tackle this challenge, by sensitizing the youth to create jobs, rather than wait for one. This was an initiative highly discussed at the celebration of youth civic engagement this past Saturday.

The celebration in Musanze commenced with an exhibition showcasing local youth initiatives and achievements, which were made possible by the support of various partners, including the One UN and financial institutions which provide young people with credit to help them generate profit and create job opportunities for their peers.  After the exhibition, prominent youth from Musanze were awarded for their community activism and being a positive role model of youth engagement in Rwanda.

Speaking to event participants, the Honorable Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, reminded youth that they must be active in their own development as well as the country’s development. He also thanked different partners who play a role in youth development and empowerment, including the government, civil society, One UN and the private sector. The minister also encouraged the private sector, in particular the financial sector, to invest in youth. “I guarantee you that if you invest in youth, you will see your benefits increase by ten,” stated the Honorable Minister.

Cephas Nshimiyimana is a young entrepreneur who inspires youth around him by actively contributing to the development of his community, as Minister Nsengimana was encouraging. Cephas runs a small cosmetic business. He became involved at an early age from a youth entrepreneurship initiative that was funded by the One UN Rwanda, called Youth Connekt. "I really want to encourage young people in Rwanda and elsewhere not to be afraid of venturing in entrepreneurship," said Cephas. He is thankful for the support that is being provided by the Government of Rwanda and its partners and for their role in youth empowerment. His initiative is one example of many that the One UN is promoting in order to further engage youth in contributing to a better future.

In his remarks, Mr. Lamin M. Manneh, the One UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator, underlined the commitment of the UN towards the efforts of the Government of Rwanda in empowering youth. “The United Nations in Rwanda will continue to support the Government of Rwanda in its efforts to secure a better future for this generation of young people. We will pursue the best possibilities of becoming healthy, happy and productive citizens, as youth will form the foundation of a stronger Rwanda in the context of the post 2015 development agenda.” He also saluted the role of different partners in strengthening youth capacity in development. Mr. Manneh also praised the efforts of the young Rwandans in building their economic resilience. As the development agenda shifts to the Sustainable Development Goals post 2015, the United Nations will continue to support youth empowerment and engagement, for a better Rwanda.