7th October, 2025

𝗕𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗦

Lusaka- A three (3) day Youth Inclusion in Local Governance Alumni Conference has officially opened in Lusaka, with the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Honourable Gift Sialubalo, MP, emphasizing the need for youths to be ‘agents of development’ in communities.

The selected participants, drawn from Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, are attending the Conference organised by the Swedish International Center for Local Democracy, and the Centre for Urban Research and Planning at University of Zambia, in collaboration with the Swedish Embassy in Zambia.

Speaking during the official opening, Hon Sialubalo, who was represented by Permanent Secretary (Administration) Dr. Gabriel Pollen, implored the youths to not only become observers of governance, but active architects of their communities’ development trajectory.

The Minister stressed that youths are a critical component in achieving any Country’s National development goals, hence the need for their involvement in decision-making processes for inclusive community development.

“As Government, we acknowledge and celebrate the immense potential of our young citizens. We are committed to strengthening the policy frameworks that promote their participation and protect their rights,” Hon Sialubalo stated.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment in improving the livelihoods of youth because their innovations form essential ingredients in shaping policies and driving sustainable development at every level of government.

Hon Sialubalo further stated that the Government remained resonant in creating opportunities for young people to take part in decision-making processes, from Councils and Municipal programmes to community-driven initiatives.

Speaking at the same occasion, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency-Mr Johan Hallenborg encouraged youths to take advantage of empowerment opportunities and venture in entrepreneurial skills and innovations.

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