By Staff Writer
UN Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe ,Edward Kallon recently revealed that he first joined the United Nations system as a young volunteer and rose through the ranks to his current position in the global organ.
He made the remarks at an occasion to commemorate the World Volunteers Day recently where he called upon the youth to execute the assigned duties with dedication for the benefit of the nation.
“I first joined the UN as a young volunteer. The older generation has entrusted you with the mantle of responsibility and the call for paradigm shift. I encourage you to embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly and actively pursue in localizing the global goals, including advancing peace, non-violence, and championing against gender-based violence,” he said.
Kallon said the significance of youth engagement cannot be understated as they are the engines of positive change and the torchbearers for a better today and a brighter tomorrow.
“With youth constituting over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population, your involvement is crucial in every sphere, particularly in initiating and driving forward the transformative paradigm shift that the Government and people of Zimbabwe desire,” he said.
He urged authorities in Zimbabwe to provide affordable high-level education and skills development opportunities to the youth as an essential ingredient for a developing the country saying this enables them to embrace modern technology and build capacity for self-sustaining growth.
The UN chief also encouraged entrepreneurial aspirations among the youth saying it unlocks their energy, intelligence, and resources, leading to the realization of the country’s development plans and vision.
He said by empowering the youth to plan, decide, and work, they become better equipped to face life’s challenges.
Kallon said fostering a culture of peace is crucial for meaningful coexistence in a world characterized by diverse personal, social, and cultural backgrounds.
“Possessing significant human values helps bridge differences and promote peace and solidarity. The hopes of young people can only be fulfilled in conditions of peace, within a civilized and cooperative national and global order.
“The spirit of voluntarism and the active participation of youth are paramount, as they represent the powerhouse of a country. Recognizing problems and finding solutions, youth can become strong agents of socio-economic change. They also help other young individuals develop their intellectual abilities and become qualified adults,” he said.
