Remarks by UNFPA Country Representative, Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator | Summit of the Future/Tanzania Development Vision 2050 Youth Consultation | July 2nd, 2024 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Remarks by UNFPA Country Representative, Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator | Summit of the Future/Tanzania Development Vision 2050 Youth Consultation | July 2nd, 2024 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

• Ambassador Noel Kaganda, Director of Department of Multilateral Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation;
• Mr. Joseph Malekia, Senior Economist, Planning Commission, President’s Office;
• Heads and Representative of UN Agencies,
• UN Colleagues;
• Senior Government Officials;
• Members of the press;
• And last but, most important for today: Young People;

Vijana Oyeee!! (they will respond ‘Oyee!’)

Habari za Asubuhi!

It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate the remarkable efforts of the United Nations, the Government of Tanzania, and our dedicated youth-led organizations in bringing us all together for this significant meeting. Your hard work and collaboration have created a dynamic platform for dialogue and action.

Today, we are here to discuss an event of paramount importance to the global community—the Summit of the Future. This summit represents a critical opportunity to reshape our global governance systems and to enhance cooperation across borders in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our times, including climate change, economic inequality, and technological disruption.

These global themes, while broad and far-reaching, have direct implications for this country. It is imperative for Tanzania to not only participate in but actively engage with the global dialogue to ensure that its unique perspectives and needs are considered in the international arena. Our engagement in these discussions helps align global strategies with our national development goals, ensuring that we are not just observers but active contributors to global progress.

The presence of Ambassador Noel Kaganda today underscores the importance of this engagement. As the Director of Multilateral Cooperation, Ambassador Kaganda's presence, along with his team, is invaluable in ensuring that our national delegation is thoroughly prepared. Their deep understanding of the diverse domestic perspectives related to the summit's themes will equip our representatives to effectively convey Tanzania's positions and interests on the global stage.

Furthermore, in the spirit of national development and strategic foresight, the UN in Tanzania has seized this opportunity to link these global conversations with Tanzania’s long-term development plans. The Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2050 will be the nation’s roadmap for the future for decades to come, aiming to transform Tanzania into a more prosperous and sustainable society. I hope that the discussions over the next two days will enrich this vision, ensuring it is robust and reflective of both global trends and local aspirations.

We are privileged to have representatives from the Planning Commission with us, who play a pivotal role in integrating these global themes into national policies. Their involvement ensures that the insights gained from today’s discussions will influence our strategic planning processes, making them more inclusive and forward-looking.

Tanzania’s youth, as the majority of the population, are crucial to these discussions. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the change-makers of today. This gathering is a testament to your crucial role in shaping both the Summit of the Future and the TDV 2050. Your insights and aspirations will drive our nation forward, ensuring that the policies we craft and the initiatives we undertake resonate with your experiences, challenges, aspirations and vision for the future.

In conclusion, I want to reiterate the UN's commitment to nurturing and supporting youth-led initiatives. As the UN family, we are channeling our collective support through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022-2027. This strategic framework guides our collaborative efforts to assist Tanzania in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of its national development priorities, providing a unified approach that maximizes the impact of our initiatives across all sectors.

Under the UNSDCF, numerous UN agencies are actively collaborating with young people across various areas, including health, agriculture, innovation, economic empowerment, and gender equality. 

We do believe there is a continued need to invest in Young People to realize the Human Capital that Tanzania requires to achieve its’ national development goals, and the SDGs. With more than three quarters (76.7%) of its population below the age of 35, young people and their development must be at the center of our investments. 

I commend my UN colleagues for their exceptional collaborative spirit, demonstrated by their joint efforts with the Government and all stakeholders present today in organizing this event. Hongereni sana to all involved for your dedication and teamwork!

As the UN, we believe in empowering you, not just to participate, but to lead and innovate. As we move forward, your energy and creativity will be the driving force behind our collective efforts to address global and national challenges and achieve the SDGs.

Thank you for your attention, your passion, and your commitment to making a difference. Let’s continue to work together, to learn from each other, and to continue building a Tanzania that we can all be proud of.

Asanteni sana!