Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for stronger cooperation between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to advance youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Chikunga held a bilateral meeting with UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam, India, on Saturday.
The meeting focused on strengthening South Africa – UAE cooperation on youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and meaningful youth participation in development.
Chikunga said South Africa is looking forward to expanding bilateral collaboration in areas affecting young people, including young persons with disabilities.
“We are hoping that we can have more collaboration in the areas of exchange programmes, skills development and transfers, including entrepreneurship and innovation between the youth from both our countries,” the Minister said.
The Minister outlined South Africa’s policy framework for youth development, including the National Development Plan 2030, which aims to grow the economy, create jobs and reduce poverty and inequality.
She also highlighted the National Youth Policy, which prioritises the development and empowerment of young people by enhancing their capabilities so that they can become responsible and contributing members of their communities and society.
The policy focuses on education and skills development, economic participation, job creation, entrepreneurship, social cohesion, nation-building and strengthening national youth development institutions.
Chikunga highlighted South Africa’s experience in implementing youth and women empowerment initiatives through partnerships with international stakeholders.
Among these was the Solar Technology Training Programme, also known as the Solar Mamas programme, which was implemented in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO) and Barefoot College.
The programme aims to empower women through comprehensive training in solar technology, while promoting self-reliance and socio-economic development in communities.
It was supported by several South African stakeholders, including the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the National Youth Development Agency.
The initiative emerged from discussions on women’s empowerment during South Africa’s BRICS Chairship in 2023, with a focus on supporting women to address basic community challenges and contribute to development.
Chikunga reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that create opportunities for young people and promote their meaningful participation in the economy and society.
She said greater cooperation between countries will help expand opportunities for youth in areas such as skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology transfer.
The engagement reinforces the importance of international partnerships in creating opportunities for young people and advancing youth-led solutions for sustainable development.
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive
Meanwhile, as part of the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting programme, Chikunga joined delegates in an ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive, planting saplings in honour of their mothers.
The delegates also visited the historic Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site, providing an opportunity to learn about the region’s Buddhist heritage and traditions of cultural exchange.
The BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement outlining areas for greater cooperation in youth development, education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and social participation among member countries. – SAnews.gov.za
