By acquiring sustainable skills, Rwandan youth can actively contribute to climate action and peace—two interlinked matters of concern in today’s world to achieve the needed development. This was highlighted at the inaugural Youth Talks Rwanda, on August 11, a forum which convenes young Rwandans from diverse professional spheres to share their personal stories and experiences to highlight their contribution in society. ALSO READ: One environmentalist’s drive to get youth to be climate actors The event was organised by Rwanda Peace Partnership, a consortium of Interpeace, Aegis Trust, and Never Again Rwanda, ahead of the International Youth Day themed ‘Green Skills for Youth Towards Sustainable Development and Peace’, marked on August 12. The three organisations work together to implement programmes that contribute to the healing of Rwandan society through social cohesion and reconciliation initiatives. The first edition of Youth Talks Rwanda featured five young Rwandan speakers including Vania Odelice Ineza, a fashion entrepreneur, Noel Nizeyimana, a green entrepreneur, Florence Twambazimana, a young businesswoman, Rulinda Kwizera, junior researcher in mental health, and Andersonne Adolatha Uwineza, a multi-talented artiste. Larissa Umulinga, Youth Representative, emphasised that it is crucial for youths to grasp the vital link between climate action and peace, whereby rising extreme weather and environmental decline can worsen conflicts, in addition to scarce resources, and hunger. She said there is hope when youths work together to bring change by voicing concerns, advocating for climate action, and embracing sustainability. “Our passion can reshape policies, nurture sustainable living, and reduce conflict risks. We must equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills we need to build sustainable development.” She mentioned that soft skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication will enable youth to engage in meaningful conversations, bridge gaps, and find collaborative solutions, while hard skills like technology, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture will help them innovate and create a path towards a greener future. ALSO READ: Youth tipped on green innovations Joseph Ryarasa Nkurunziza, Executive Director of Never Again Rwanda, said empowering youth with green skills is not just an investment in their future, but a commitment to a sustainable world where actions cultivate development and peace. “As stewards of tomorrow, their hands-on engagement with environmental challenges today shapes a harmonious path towards a brighter, greener, and more peaceful global landscape,” he added. The young speakers shared their different work and innovations that are driving community change across various fields, including waste recycling, entrepreneurship that creates jobs, and mental health awareness, among others.
