Regional
CHOGM: Key take away for Commonwealth youth
During the just concluded Commonwealth Heads
of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, the youth forum attracted the
majority of commentaries due to the homework given to the youth by the Rwandan Head
of State.
The youth were asked to consider themselves
as significant partners in the affairs of the Commonwealth, a departure from
the old perception of being at the receiving end as passive recipients.
While addressing the youth representatives
from different regions of Commonwealth, President Paul Kagame who is the
Chairman of the organization for the next two years, reiterated the need for change
of mindset from the commonwealth youth.
He requested them to consider themselves as
significant stakeholders in achieving the vision of the organization, citing
both their demographic and aptitude factors as quick wins.
It was observed that in as far as achieving
the vision of the organization is concerned, there is need to maximize on
quality youth engagement.
They were reminded that in the end, it will
never be about what the Commonwealth has done for the youth but most
importantly, about what the organization will have taught them to do for
themselves that will make them a successful generation.
During the youth forum, there were some
interventions that focused on the challenges that affect sustainable
development in member states and consequently impede youth development
programs.
CHOGM was a great place to be reminded of
some best practice to success for the youth. They were also reminded that in
life, it doesn’t matter how much resources you have but how to optimize the
little you have for better results.
The leaders who had the opportunity to
interact with the youth representatives all converged on one critical
observation worth noting: resources will never be enough. The youth were asked to reflect on a key
imperative; always focus on solutions regardless of the challenges that impose
themselves on their aspirations. The best way to that is embracing innovation
as a key specific of doing business.
One critical take home from Kigali, is
definitely the call to train our minds to be stronger than our feelings. It is
a take home message received at the right place and perhaps from the right
President.
Majority of the delegates – especially those
that had never been in Rwanda – attested to have been left literally speechless
after their visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. They could not comprehend
why the genocide against the Tutsi had to take place in the first place, and
how it was executed in the most inhumane manner.
More to their dismay is how a country like
Rwanda could raise from the ashes of the Genocide against the Tutsi to what it
is presently.
President Kagame urged the youth to train
their mind to be stronger than their emotions if they are to realize their
goals. The youth should also avoid all kinds of division based on geographical locations, ideology or race.