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so that they play an integral role in the socio-economic and political affairs of their nations.

Addressing the UN High-Level meeting on youth at the UN headquarters yesterday, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said Zimbabwe has since independence in 1980 regarded youths as the vanguard of the country.
“While the high level meeting on youth is advocating for the mainstreaming of youths into contributing to issues pertaining central governance, it is of paramount importance the United Nations member states institute policies that will give proper orientation that will shape the youths to become responsible future leaders,” he said.

Cde Mugabe said Zimbabwe had since 1980 regarded education as priority in nurturing the youths and giving them preparatory skills that would empower them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic and political affairs of the country.

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“Member states should adopt a catch-them- young concept such as the education for-free policies my Government has introduced among other policies for youth including health in the face of HIV and Aids,” he said.

President Mugabe also called on the region to form a union for youths to deal with HIV and Aids awareness programmes at regional level.
He said through the indigenisation and empowerment Act of Parliament, Zimbabwean youth have been given room to become employers by establishing their own entities in mining, manufacturing and agriculture among others.

Other policies, which President Mugabe said, were introduced to mainstream and give guidance to youths are the child parliament whereby Cabinet ministers interacted with the young generation and shared notes on governance issues.

It is against this background that President Mugabe challenged the meeting to adopt and pluck a leaf from Zimbabwe’s experience in empowering the youths to become future leaders.
The UN High-level Meeting on Youth is part of the International Year of Youth and is being held under the theme: “Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding”.

The meeting seeks to address issues on strengthening international co-operation regarding youth and enhancing dialogue, mutual understanding and active youth participation as indispensable elements towards achieving social integration, full employment and the eradication of poverty.

It is also focusing on challenges to youth development and opportunities for poverty eradication, employment and sustainable development.
Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said President Mugabe was attending the meeting to show Government’s commitment to youth empowerment.

According to a draft resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly on the organisation of the high level meeting, member States should pay due attention to relevant development goals, including MDGs, relevant outcomes and programmes of action including the World Programme of Action for Youth and General Assembly resolution 62/126.

Member states, observers, and representatives of UN systems entities, civil society, youth organisations and the private sector would participate in the meeting for “interactive and substantive discussions”.
The General Assembly president is expected to produce a draft text, in consultation with member states, taking into account input from youth-led organisations.