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Mnangagwa calls for stronger regional collaboration to safeguard children's future
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has called for enhanced regional collaboration and a renewed commitment to children's rights, emphasizing the importance of securing a brighter future for young people across the region.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional World Children's Day celebrations at Baobab Primary School in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa highlighted the need for deeper cooperation among SADC member states, as many challenges faced by children are cross-border issues that require collective action.
"In our region, children's issues are interconnected, and we must strengthen child protection frameworks to address existing gaps," he said. "It is crucial that we set measurable targets to achieve real progress."
The President underscored that children are not only the beneficiaries of society's protection but also key agents of change who must be empowered to participate in decisions that affect their lives. "This gathering is a reflection of our shared commitment to children's rights and their right to contribute meaningfully to decisions impacting their future," he said.
In his address, President Mnangagwa welcomed South Africa and Mozambique, both of which were attending the celebrations for the first time, expressing hope that this would further strengthen regional unity and collaboration.
"Our unity is essential," he said, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated regional response to the complex challenges facing children today, including climate change, education, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and abuse.
The event provided children with an opportunity to voice their concerns on critical issues such as climate change, education, and safety. President Mnangagwa called for greater efforts to ensure that the voices of children are heard, saying, "We must create an environment where children feel confident in sharing their perspectives on important matters."
He also reflected on the shared history of liberation struggles that have shaped the region, emphasizing the common legacy that unites the children of Southern Africa. "We have a collective future. It is our duty to strive for sustainable development, peace, and social justice for all children," he said.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to children's welfare, citing initiatives such as Education 5.0, which focuses on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship through science, technology, and innovation. He also pointed to the African Union's declaration of 2024 as the Year of Education, urging collective action to improve educational frameworks across the region.
"Our children must take pride in their African identity and heritage," he said, while reiterating his government's continued support for vulnerable children, including those with disabilities and orphans. Programs such as the school feeding initiative, introduced in response to the El Niño-induced drought, aim to ensure that no child is left behind.
The President also expressed his appreciation for civil society organizations like the Angel of Hope Foundation, led by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, for their role in fostering moral values and community development in line with African traditions of Hunhu/Ubuntu.
"Investing in inclusive, lifelong, and quality education is vital for empowering the youth," he said.
He also acknowledged the vital role of partnerships in advancing children's rights, particularly highlighting the contributions of UNICEF and other UN agencies. "Through coordinated regional efforts, we can create a conducive environment for the children of Africa, ensuring that their future is secure and aligned with our collective development goals," he said.
On the issue of child protection, President Mnangagwa called for stronger measures to safeguard vulnerable children, especially refugees and those at risk of exploitation. He pointed out that Zimbabwe is currently providing care and support to 16,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including children.
In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change, he highlighted the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, which aims to drill 35,000 boreholes across 35,000 villages and 10,000 schools. This initiative is part of Zimbabwe's broader efforts to ensure access to clean water, a key concern for children's health and wellbeing.
The President also stressed the need for regional cooperation to combat issues like substance abuse and crime, which pose significant threats to the wellbeing of children and the stability of societies. "These challenges threaten not only the future of our children but the peace and security of our communities," he warned.
He concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of investing in the youth, noting that they are the leaders of tomorrow. "By empowering our children today, we are empowering the world to build a better future for all," he said.
The event, which marked the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, underscored the need for governments to prioritize the protection and empowerment of children. President Mnangagwa reminded leaders to follow through on the commitments made during last year's SADC summit in Namibia, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where children can thrive through improved educational systems.
The celebrations ended with the lighting of the Torch of Hope by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, symbolizing the region's commitment to upholding children's rights and securing their future. The event brought together children from diverse backgrounds, celebrating their rights and responsibilities in shaping a better future for Southern Africa.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional World Children's Day celebrations at Baobab Primary School in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa highlighted the need for deeper cooperation among SADC member states, as many challenges faced by children are cross-border issues that require collective action.
"In our region, children's issues are interconnected, and we must strengthen child protection frameworks to address existing gaps," he said. "It is crucial that we set measurable targets to achieve real progress."
The President underscored that children are not only the beneficiaries of society's protection but also key agents of change who must be empowered to participate in decisions that affect their lives. "This gathering is a reflection of our shared commitment to children's rights and their right to contribute meaningfully to decisions impacting their future," he said.
In his address, President Mnangagwa welcomed South Africa and Mozambique, both of which were attending the celebrations for the first time, expressing hope that this would further strengthen regional unity and collaboration.
"Our unity is essential," he said, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated regional response to the complex challenges facing children today, including climate change, education, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and abuse.
The event provided children with an opportunity to voice their concerns on critical issues such as climate change, education, and safety. President Mnangagwa called for greater efforts to ensure that the voices of children are heard, saying, "We must create an environment where children feel confident in sharing their perspectives on important matters."
He also reflected on the shared history of liberation struggles that have shaped the region, emphasizing the common legacy that unites the children of Southern Africa. "We have a collective future. It is our duty to strive for sustainable development, peace, and social justice for all children," he said.
President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to children's welfare, citing initiatives such as Education 5.0, which focuses on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship through science, technology, and innovation. He also pointed to the African Union's declaration of 2024 as the Year of Education, urging collective action to improve educational frameworks across the region.
"Our children must take pride in their African identity and heritage," he said, while reiterating his government's continued support for vulnerable children, including those with disabilities and orphans. Programs such as the school feeding initiative, introduced in response to the El Niño-induced drought, aim to ensure that no child is left behind.
The President also expressed his appreciation for civil society organizations like the Angel of Hope Foundation, led by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, for their role in fostering moral values and community development in line with African traditions of Hunhu/Ubuntu.
"Investing in inclusive, lifelong, and quality education is vital for empowering the youth," he said.
He also acknowledged the vital role of partnerships in advancing children's rights, particularly highlighting the contributions of UNICEF and other UN agencies. "Through coordinated regional efforts, we can create a conducive environment for the children of Africa, ensuring that their future is secure and aligned with our collective development goals," he said.
On the issue of child protection, President Mnangagwa called for stronger measures to safeguard vulnerable children, especially refugees and those at risk of exploitation. He pointed out that Zimbabwe is currently providing care and support to 16,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including children.
In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change, he highlighted the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, which aims to drill 35,000 boreholes across 35,000 villages and 10,000 schools. This initiative is part of Zimbabwe's broader efforts to ensure access to clean water, a key concern for children's health and wellbeing.
The President also stressed the need for regional cooperation to combat issues like substance abuse and crime, which pose significant threats to the wellbeing of children and the stability of societies. "These challenges threaten not only the future of our children but the peace and security of our communities," he warned.
He concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of investing in the youth, noting that they are the leaders of tomorrow. "By empowering our children today, we are empowering the world to build a better future for all," he said.
The event, which marked the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, underscored the need for governments to prioritize the protection and empowerment of children. President Mnangagwa reminded leaders to follow through on the commitments made during last year's SADC summit in Namibia, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where children can thrive through improved educational systems.
The celebrations ended with the lighting of the Torch of Hope by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, symbolizing the region's commitment to upholding children's rights and securing their future. The event brought together children from diverse backgrounds, celebrating their rights and responsibilities in shaping a better future for Southern Africa.
Source - Byo24News
