09 May 2021

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Botswana Mr Jan Sadek says the youth are key actors of change and essential partners for achieving a prosperous future.

Speaking at the Europe Day Pop-Up event in Gaborone on Friday, Mr Sadek said since Botswana had a youthful population that consisted of more than two-thirds of people under 35 years of age, it was paramount that they become change agents of their society.

Europe Day is celebrated annually on May 9 to mark the anniversary of the speech by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in 1950 that inspired the foundation of the EU.

He said therefore it was for this reason that himself and the EU at large believed that youth should have their say in policy making.

Mr Sadek further added that for the EU, youth participation and youth empowerment was a horizontal priority in their diplomacy and as such, they would not have young people as beneficiaries of their actions, but engage them in a meaningful way in their policies and programmes.

Furthermore, as a demonstration of solidarity to the youth of this country, the Ambassador and his team saw it fit to celebrate Europe Day by supporting the initiative of The Diamond Square which provides young people with an income, show-cases their talent, and at the same time, creates a fantastic atmosphere in the heart of the Main Mall.

He said they engaged five youthful entrepreneurs in the hot and cold beverages and food to serve their products at the Europe Day Pop-Up event, which was the first of its kind in Botswana.

Mr Sadek also expressed his gratitude to the Mayor of Gaborone, Mr Father Maphongo for promoting and supporting the Diamond Square initiative and urged the youth in attendance to share their views on how the EU could assist to strengthen their partnership.

In parting, Mr Sadek said his office was already working with the government of Botswana to diversify the country’s economy, beyond the reliance on diamonds, with the aim of creating jobs.

“To do this, we need to equip the youth with the adequate skills. And you will find here today information on the vocational training programme, the TVET programme, which the EU is supporting,” he concluded. Ends