UNOSSC Director Dima Al-Khatib highlighted youth as change agents in the Pact for the Future during the opening ceremony of the Young Rural Entrepreneurs Development Initiative for African Countries at China Agriculture University.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow, and your journey to take the skills and connections you gain here home with you has started,” the Director said. “This will enable you to transform your communities, to create lasting change, and drive sustainable development across Africa.”
The UNOSSC-WFP initiative on China-Africa rice value chain and Youth4South Programme were showcased as examples advancing knowledge sharing, capacity building and promoting entrepreneurship through South-South cooperation.
The UNOSSC Director also gave a special guest lecture on South-South cooperation and women’s leadership for students of the China Agriculture University. She noted challenges faced by women in the Global South that restrict their opportunities, including gender stereotypes, limited access to education, resources, and cultural norms; she reflected on her own experiences, sharing personal challenges and triumphs in breaking through gender barriers; and underlined the importance of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship across sectors, especially in STEM.
The Director noted the EMPOWER Fellowship, a joint initiative between UNOSSC and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) that is supporting young women scientists in developing countries. The program offers access to advanced scientific training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Thus far, through the fellowship, young women scientists from Bangladesh, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zimbabwe have developed leadership skills and gained valuable scientific expertise. They are now contributing to their communities by addressing critical issues such as health, food security, and climate change through scientific innovation.
The UNOSSC Director also gave a special guest lecture on South-South cooperation and women’s leadership for students of the China Agriculture University. She noted challenges faced by women in the Global South that restrict their opportunities, including gender stereotypes, limited access to education, resources, and cultural norms; she reflected on her own experiences, sharing personal challenges and triumphs in breaking through gender barriers; and underlined the importance of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship across sectors, especially in STEM.
The Director noted the EMPOWER Fellowship, a joint initiative between UNOSSC and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) that is supporting young women scientists in developing countries. The program offers access to advanced scientific training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Thus far, through the fellowship, young women scientists from Bangladesh, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zimbabwe have developed leadership skills and gained valuable scientific expertise. They are now contributing to their communities by addressing critical issues such as health, food security, and climate change through scientific innovation.
Watch a Documentary about the EMPOWER Fellowship
More information: Highlights of UNOSSC Director 2024 Official Visit to China
