United Nations Tanzania Statement.
Presented by: Mr Michel Toto, UNESCO Country Representative, on behalf of the UNCT In the United Republic of Tanzania On the Occasion of International Youth Day.
Global Theme:
" #YouthLead: Youth Leadership for Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces ".
Local Theme : “Kijana! Songa Kidijitali kwa Maendeleo Endelevu”
12 August 2024
Zanzibar – Tanzania
Protocol / Salutation:
Mheshimiwa Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi ( Your Excellency, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi President of Zanzibar and the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council) |
Mheshimiwa Tabia Maulid Mwita , Waziri wa Habari , Vijana, Utamaduni na Michezo Zanzibar (Honorable Tabia Maulid Mwita ,Minister of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports Zanzibar) |
Mheshimiwa Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa, Mkuu wa Mkoa Mjini Magharibi ( Honorable Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa , Regional Commisioner for western city) |
Viongozi na Watendaji mbalimbali wa Serikali kutoka Tanzania bara na Zanzibar (Esteemed government leaders and officials from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar) |
Wawakilishi na Wafanyakazi Wenzangu Kutoka Umoja wa Mataifa Tanzania ( My fellow Representatives and colleagues from the United Nations) |
Waandishi Wahabari (journalists) |
Vijana, (youth) |
Asalaam Aleykum !
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I have a special honour to speak on behalf of the UN System in Tanzania. It is a true pleasure to be with you here today and to repeat and emphasize the slogan “Nothing about youth - without Youth’’, which highlights the importance of young people’s empowerment and participation.
Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi,
Today, we celebrate the International Youth Day, under the Global theme: #YouthLead: Youth Leadership for Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces, translated into the Local Theme : “Kijana! Songa Kidijitali kwa Maendeleo Endelevu”
As a generation born into a digital world, young people are capable at harnessing the vast opportunities that technology offers to build a more inclusive present and future.Technology is one of society’s best tools to alleviate inequality: It opens doors for young people across education, employment and civic participation, and can promote gender equality and peace through innovation and the exchange of ideas.
Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi,
Tanzania's rapidly growing population also presents a golden opportunity. With 60% of the population under the age of 24, the nation's youthful demographic can trigger a demographic benefit which is a period of accelerated economic growth resulting from a larger workforce and increased productivity. However, the demographic benefit is not automatic. It requires strategic investments in employment, education and health.
Baba wa Taifa Hayati Mwalimu Julius Nyerere alisema, Kupanga ni Kuchagua (The late Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the founding father of Tanzania said in 1969 ‘Kupanga ni Kuchagua’), a Kiswahili phrase which means ‘toplan is to choose’. To unlock this potential, it is crucial that Tanzania make strategic investments in its people.
By equipping young people with quality education and relevant skills, Tanzania can cultivate a productive workforce that drives innovation and economic advancement. Additionally, creating a conducive environment for job creation and entrepreneurship is essential to absorb the growing labor force and reduce unemployment.
Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi,
Youth are the leaders of today and the makers of tomorrow.
Today, as we celebrate the International Youth Day, the United Nations commit to working together to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities facing young people, wherever they are and in whatever situation they find themselves. We pledge to make youth a priority in our work and in partnership with young people to identify ways to promote the leadership and well-being of young women and men.
Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi,
United Nations champions the rights of young people and works to enable them to fulfill their potential. The key priorities include youth engagement, participation, and advocacy; solid and healthy foundations; economic empowerment; human rights; and peace and resilience building. If We want to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and make good on our pledge to leave no one behind, young people need to be at the centre of our collective efforts. Let us embrace young people as active partners on this journey together.
Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi,
For the United Nations, working with and for young people, and promoting youth leadership and participation, have been a long-standing tradition. Our efforts enable young people to develop the skills, knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, lives, families, communities, countries, and our world.
Young people are at the forefront of UN’s actions to build more equitable and resilient societies, where prosperity is shared by all. We join hands with our partners to advance the role of young people and we are committed to continuing to co-lead this vital work. The UN Strategy on Youth represent the unwavering and collective commitment of the United Nations family to step up our work for and with young people, under the leadership of the Secretary-General.
Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, Wageni Waalikwa, Mabibi na Mabwana,
All over the world, young people say: “Nothing about us, without us!” At the UN, we have heard, learned and taken this principle to heart.
Our partnerships with young people are, and must always be, based on their active and meaningful participation.
Hakuna kitu kuhusu Vijana, bila vijana. (Nothing about youth, without youth)
Asanteni sana Kwa kunisi kiliza!