New York, 24 September 2018
President Kagame today joined other world leaders for the UNICEF Launch of the Young People’s Agenda Partnerships. The event aimed to build partnerships dedicated to supporting a young people’s agenda focused on every young person being in school, learning, training or getting employed by 2030.
In his address, President Kagame highlighted that there is no greater shame than seeing a young life go unfulfilled for lack of opportunity.
“The United Nations cannot be ‘relevant to all people’ without an answer to the aspirations of the world’s youth. After all, in developing countries, most of the population consists of young people. Equipping the next generation with the capabilities and mindsets needed for success is among the most urgent policy priorities in countries as my own Rwanda,” President Kagame said.
The Head of State, who was called to serve on UNICEF’s “Generation Unlimited” Leaders Group, reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to the Young People’s Agenda, which fully aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
President Kagame also attended the Mandela Peace Summit, a high-level plenary meeting on global peace in honor of the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. In his address, the President noted that the centenary presents an ideal moment to reflect on Mandela’s legacy and the meaning it holds today.
“In Rwanda, our tragic history has also taught us the importance of unity and inclusivity, to the task of reconciliation and nation-building. We continue to work to ensure that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities, and are able to participate actively, in shaping our country’s direction in meaningful ways,” President Kagame said.
Later in the evening, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame joined other leaders from across the globe in a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.