Robert Mugabe jets off to New York, USA

President Mugabe left Harare last night for New York to join other heads of states and government at a United Nations high-level meeting on youths.

Mugabe was accompanied by First Lady Grace Mugabe, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbabrashe Mumbengegwi, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and senior Government officials.

Twelve youths from various sectors of Zimbabwe's social sphere are also part of the delegation.

The UN High-level Meeting on Youth is part of the International Year of Youth and would be held under the theme: "Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding".

The meeting will have two consecutive interactive round tables on Monday and two plenary meetings the next day.

Member states will chair the meetings at the invitation of the president of the General Assembly.

Round table 1 will address issues on strengthening international co-operation regarding youth and enhancing dialogue, mutual understanding and active youth participation as indispensable elements towards achieving social integration, full employment and the eradication of poverty.

The second round table meeting will focus on challenges to youth development and opportunities for poverty eradication, employment and sustainable development.

Member states, observers, and representatives of UN systems entities, civil society, youth organisations and the private sector would participate in the meeting for "interactive and substantive discussions".

The General Assembly president is expected to produce a draft text, in consultation with member states, taking into account input from youth-led organisations.

In an interview early this week, Minister Kasukuwere said President Mugabe will attend the high-level meeting to show Government's commitment to youth empowerment.

Minister Kasukuwere said the high level meeting in New York is important as it affords leaders a platform to look at opportunities and programmes on poverty eradication.