By Ollus Ndomu
The Copperbelt region of Zambia hosted its first-ever youth summit, an event that has set a precedent for youth empowerment and leadership development in the country. Organized by Youth Care Impact in partnership with Voice of Influence Zambia and ICCAN Zambia, the summit aimed to equip young leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to effect positive change in their communities.
Ndola, June 3, 2024 – The Copperbelt Youth Summit, held at the Izu Hotel in Ndola, marked a significant milestone in youth engagement and empowerment in Zambia. The event, organized by Youth Care Impact in collaboration with Voice of Influence Zambia and ICCAN Zambia, featured in-depth presentations and insightful panel discussions covering crucial topics such as mental health, business and entrepreneurship, leadership, mining, agriculture, arts, and technology.
Keynote Speech Highlights
Kingsley Chipulu, President of Youth Care Impact, opened the summit with a powerful speech emphasizing the importance of youth adaptation and resilience in the face of change. “Change, fellow citizens, is not a product of mere wishes or idle contemplation. It is an inevitable force that demands our attention and adaptation,” Chipulu stated. He underscored the summit’s theme, “Empowering change makers through knowledge, leadership, networking, and collaboration,” as a foundation for impactful community development.
Chipulu further highlighted the necessity for governmental and corporate support in youth initiatives. “I implore our elected leaders in government and the corporate sector to continue supporting initiatives that foster psycho-social balance among our youth. Your presence here today, and your generous sponsorship, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for our future leaders,” he said.
Government Support and Vision
The Guest of Honour, Copperbelt Province Minister Hon. Elisha Matambo, praised the summit’s focus on youth development as aligned with the government’s 8th National Development Plan. “This Youth Summit exemplifies the United Party For National Development (UPND) Government’s focus on human development,” Matambo noted. He encouraged the youth to learn from the past while focusing on the future, leveraging the experiences and wisdom of their predecessors.
Minister Matambo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives, acknowledging the contributions of corporate sponsors such as ZANACO. “We are duty bound to support summits of such kind. We applauded the platinum sponsors ZANACO from the corporate world for making the summit a success,” he said. He also called upon other organizations to join in supporting such initiatives, emphasizing the government’s aim to see as many youths succeed as possible.
Significance and Future Implications
The Copperbelt, a region known for its significant political influence in Zambia, demonstrated its rising potential through the active participation of its youth in this summit. The event not only highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping the region’s future but also showcased the potential shift in political dynamics driven by grassroots youth engagement.
Youth Care Impact’s proactive approach and the success of the Copperbelt Youth Summit are seen as pivotal in fostering a new generation of leaders. “As young leaders, we recognize that true progress is not merely theoretical but actionable,” Chipulu asserted. He urged the youth to embrace innovation, cultivate resilience, and champion collaboration to bring about tangible changes in their communities.
Conclusion
The Copperbelt Youth Summit has set a new standard for youth engagement in Zambia, emphasizing the power of collective action and shared purpose. As the youth of the Copperbelt rise, supported by initiatives like this summit, the potential for transformative impact across generations becomes increasingly evident.
With the success of the Copperbelt Youth Summit, the region’s youth are poised to drive significant changes, embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience. The summit has not only empowered young leaders but has also highlighted the critical need for ongoing support from both the government and the corporate sector to ensure a prosperous future for Zambia’s youth.
