Zimbabwe Attends Global Youth Forum in South Korea

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on Thursday participated in the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) World Ministers Forum in Busan, South Korea, a global platform that brings together policymakers, local authority leaders, and youth representatives to strengthen international cooperation and promote youth development.

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works yesterday participated in the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) World Ministers Forum in Busan, South Korea a global platform bringing together policymakers, local authority leaders, and youth representatives to strengthen international cooperation and promote youth development.

The forum, running under the theme “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future,” is focusing on deepening youth engagement across governance, digitalisation, healthcare, education, culture, science, tourism, and sustainable development.

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Archibold Tanyaradzwa Mavunga, who is representing Zimbabwe, described the forum as a strategic platform for building global partnerships and unlocking opportunities for the country’s youth through innovation and trade.

“This forum is an important platform to collaborate and network with world leaders and businesses from various countries,” he said.

“We also need to add value to what we produce in Zimbabwe and export finished products to other countries. It would be good to have more people attend such a forum and make presentations to ensure the forum grows bigger.”

Mavunga said Zimbabwean youth had the potential to play a critical role in driving national development if given access to international opportunities and support systems.

“We want to see more of our young people exposed to the global stage and actively participating in programmes like these, where they can learn, network, and represent Zimbabwe effectively,” he said.

The Zimbabwean delegation also includes mayors, town clerks, and youth councillors from various local authorities who are engaging with counterparts from across the globe on best practices in urban development, youth leadership, and innovation.

The IYF has maintained strong ties with Zimbabwe, including its participation at the 2023 Junior Councillors Conference held in Victoria Falls, which was officially opened by the F Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Running parallel to the ministers' forum is the World Youth Camp, an annual IYF initiative designed to unite young people from diverse backgrounds to share ideas, build leadership skills, and co-create solutions to global challenges.