Commonwealth youth urged to be global citizens

Youth from Commonwealth member countries have been urged to step up efforts towards global awareness and take up their social and economic responsibilities.

Global Scholars from Africa and beyond called on the young people during the opening of this year's Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) summer school in the Rwandan, Capital Kigali.

The week-long forum has attracted about 40 delegates from 14 Commonwealth countries to deliberate development solutions for common global challenges.

"You're the World's future and you need to help generate change in your communities by raising your voices towards achieving sustainable social and economic development. The world needs you to help bring peace across the globe," Prof. Mammo Muchie, from Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa told young participants at the meeting.

He pointed out that some young people have been radicalized by extremists to destabilize the world, saying that they need to shun all negative minds because they are destroying the world's future.

"By the end of this event, you will have a better understanding of how we seek to build consensus and tackle major global challenges. Strong prosperous societies will only be achieved if all of us - including you young people - work to make them happen," Muchie noted.

More than 60 students from Rwanda higher institutions are also attending the forum.

According to Prof. Philip Cotton, vice-chancellor, University of Rwanda, youth are at the heart of many of today's challenges, and its time they get involved in shaping the future of the world today.

"Keep showing your leadership as global citizens. That way, you will be in position to create a better future for all people," he told youth.

Terri Jacques, senior scholarships and fellowships officer at ACU said the event has convened participants from different academic backgrounds such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics and humanities to promote discussions on the role of universities in implementing the global Sustainable Development Goals.

"The summer school has been running in five different countries which give participants a chance for them to network," she noted.

First initiated in 2011, the forum is the first of its kind in Rwanda. Last year, it was hosted in Canada and next year it will be held in the UK.

University of Rwanda is the only academic institution in Rwanda that subscribes to the ACU. Endit