Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – In a transformative effort to shape a sustainable future for Zimbabwe’s youth, Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) gathered key stakeholders on June 24, 2025, to review the Green Jobs Innovation Hub Website. The YCA4SOTRA Project fueled by collaboration with Save the Children Zimbabwe, SayWhat, the Government of Zimbabwe, and the European Union (EU), aims to empower young people especially young women to play a vital role in governance and policy discussions surrounding critical issues like climate change, poverty, and unemployment.
The event brought together 32 participants from diverse sectors, including Community Based Organisations (CBOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), private sector representatives, line ministry officials, and members of the YCA4SOTRA Board.
As climate-related challenges intensify, resilience-building initiatives become increasingly vital for protecting marginalized groups, particularly youth. Young women are disproportionately affected by climate change, often lacking access to green economic opportunities. The Joint Meeting highlighted the urgent need for enhanced collaboration among governments, the private sector, and youth organisations to address these challenges effectively.
The objective of the meeting was clear: to advocate for a supportive green economic environment that fosters youth employment and encourages innovative solutions like green jobs. By forming partnerships between public and private sectors, the initiative aims to tackle pressing global issues such as youth unemployment and climate change, creating inclusive opportunities that empower young people to lead in both environmental and economic transformation.
The design of the Green Jobs Innovation Hub Website also served as a platform to connect youth, particularly young women, with YCA4SoTra Board members and key stakeholders committed to advancing climate and environmental sustainability. Participants hailed from various project implementation areas, including Beitbridge, Binga, Bulawayo, Gwanda, Matobo, Harare, Chimanimani, Kariba, Chipinge, and Mutare districts. This diversity in representation underscored the widespread recognition of the need for sustainable development and the importance of engaging young voices in the conversation.
Stakeholders discussed strategies to raise awareness among young people about practical climate adaptation solutions available in Zimbabwe. The meeting’s primary aim was to finalize the Green Jobs Innovation Hub Website, incorporating valuable feedback from stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness in promoting green jobs and youth engagement. By providing a dedicated online platform, the initiative seeks to facilitate access to information, resources, and opportunities in the green economy.
WILD is committed to mobilizing young people around these critical issues, emphasizing that sustainable development is not just an aspiration but a necessity for the future. The organization aims to raise awareness about the practical solutions available for climate adaptation and to empower youth to take an active role in shaping their communities.
The Joint Meeting marked a significant step towards fostering a collaborative environment for youth empowerment in Zimbabwe. By emphasizing the importance of green skills and job creation, the initiative aligns with broader goals of sustainable development and economic resilience. As the participants left the meeting, there was a shared sense of optimism and commitment to driving change. The Green Jobs Innovation Hub Website is poised to become a vital resource for young people, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and to seize opportunities within the green economy.