The ZYPC Strategic Plan was launched by Honourable Twaambo Mutinta, Member of Parliament for Itezhi-tezhi Constituency and Vice-Chairperson of the ZYPC during a training workshop for Members of the Caucus on Communication, Leadership and Mentorship, which was organised with support from the Inter-Parliamentary Union IPU).

In a speech read on behalf of Honourable Frank M Moyo, Second Deputy Speaker, Hon Mutinta was impressed that the Strategic Plan was developed following a consultative process involving Members of Parliament, youth inclined civil society organisations and individual youths. He indicated that this was a deliberate move by the Caucus to promote ownership, consensus and effective implementation of the espoused strategies in the plan. In this regard, he expressed his belief that the strategies set out in the Plan are reflective of, and represent, the wishes of young people, particularly, when it comes to their participation in governance issues.

Regarding the training workshop on leadership, communication and mentorship, Honourable Mutinta reminded participants that, as a representatives of the people, they needed to exhibit high quality leadership by ensuring that they communicate effectively and offer quality mentorship. He therefore urged participants to engage effectively with resource persons and ensure that they apply the knowledge that they would get from workshop.

Meanwhile, Mr Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU congratulated the ZYPC for developing the Strategic Plan, which would be a guided in terms of vision, mission and key strategies to help the ZYPC focus on activities that would deliver results within the allocated time. He further indicated that Zambia was making great strides in creating platforms for enhancing and advocating for enhanced youth participation in Parliament, and other decision-making positions. The establishment of the ZYPC in 20221, following the Right Honourable Madam’s Speaker’s signing to the, ‘I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament,’ campaign, was one such great score. Therefore, he urged Members to recognise that developing and launching the Strategic Plan is not an end in and of itself, but that more effort needed to put to ensure that the strategic plan is implemented.

The Chairperson of the Caucus thanked all participants for taking time to participate in the workshop, especially after concluding the adoption of Committee Reports Meeting, which can be daunting both physically and mentally.

The ZYPC is a voluntary organisation within the National Assembly for youth parliamentarians who are committed to magnify the voice of youth in Parliament and also advocate for enhanced youth participation in Parliament, and other positions of decision-making. The Caucus was established in December, 2021, and officially launched in September, 2022.