Botswana's Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo embraces the youth during the commemoration of International Youth Day in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 12, 2025. Chombo on Tuesday stressed the importance of engaging youth as strategic partners in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
GABORONE, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo on Tuesday stressed the importance of engaging youth as strategic partners in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking during the International Youth Day commemoration in the capital, Gaborone, Chombo said that young people bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that bridge the gap between policy and practice.
"We need to align the SDGs with community needs and maintain national and international commitments," she said.
The minister highlighted that young people, being closely connected to their communities, are uniquely positioned to foster inclusive policy environments, influence resource allocation, and enhance youth participation in local planning.
The minister called on stakeholders to provide platforms for innovation, mentorship, and civic engagement, noting that nurturing youth leadership today will shape tomorrow's changemakers.
Kagiso Molatlhwa, a youth and gender program specialist from the United Nations Population Fund, said that youth creativity, energy, and community knowledge are vital in tackling today's interconnected challenges.
The International Youth Day falls on Aug. 12, with this year's theme being "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond." ■
Botswana's Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo speaks during the commemoration of International Youth Day in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 12, 2025. Chombo on Tuesday stressed the importance of engaging youth as strategic partners in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
