Story by Memory Chamisa
HARARE – INCLUSIVE development to empower young people, especially those with disabilities, has been cited as critical as the country pursues an inclusive development approach.
The United Nations has launched the United 4 Youth Inclusion programme in Zimbabwe, with a specific focus on empowering young people, particularly those with disabilities, as part of efforts to promote inclusive development in line with the global 2030 Agenda.
The initiative, launched this Thursday in Harare, aims to provide mentorship, capacity building, and professional exposure for Zimbabwean youth through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.
Under the programme, 15 young Zimbabweans, including those with disabilities, will be placed across various UN agencies for a one-year experiential learning opportunity.
“Innovation and technology can be powerful tools for inclusion. Through enhancing access to information, education, or the job market, technology has great potential to transform lives and create a more inclusive and accessible world for all,” a youth said.
“We need to expand our understanding of the meaning of inclusion, and develop a sense of responsibility and accountability towards persons with disabilities through our programmes and business operations, and for the UN to come and offer this opportunity, it is a great opportunity as everyone wishes to work for such organisations,” a participant said.
“Disability inclusion is not about charity, it is about making organisations work better. Schools and workplaces are more collaborative and responsive when people with disabilities are included at all levels. While these advances are significant, many people with disabilities still do not have access to their basic civil rights,” a delegate said.
Speaking at the event, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon, reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
“Guided under the UN Charter, which envisions a world where every person, regardless of age, ability, or background, is afforded dignity and opportunity, we focus on empowering young people and ensuring that in our quest to create employment, no one is left behind, particularly those with disabilities. Zimbabwean youth are not just recipients of these initiatives but are central to shaping the country’s future as strategists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Their active participation is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realising the global development agenda,” he said.
The United 4 Youth Inclusion programme aligns with Zimbabwe’s inclusive development agenda, which has seen the Second Republic champion disability rights.
Notably, President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the National Disability Policy and appointed persons with disabilities to several key positions, including: a visually impaired Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), a High Court Judge with a disability, and a Special Advisor on disability affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet.
Zimbabwe is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), affirming its commitment to upholding and promoting disability rights and inclusion across all sectors.
