By Shingirai Manyengavana
As global leaders prepare for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, Zimbabwe’s youth are urging a fundamental overhaul of the international financial system to address their pressing challenges.
With youth unemployment nearing 80% and climate crises wreaking havoc on livelihoods, young Zimbabweans see this summit as a critical opportunity to advocate for their survival and future.
The FfD4 conference aims to address urgent issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have lagged due to inadequate financial support.
Many young people in Zimbabwe voice their frustrations, stating, “The SDGs feel like a distant dream. Look around, we are failing on all fronts.”
This sentiment highlights the stark realities faced by the youth amid rising poverty and environmental challenges.
As the summit approaches, the need for substantial investment and reform has never been more evident.
Key areas of focus for youth advocates at the summit include the need for targeted investments in labour-intensive sectors, reforms to the outdated international financial architecture, and measures to curb illicit financial flows.
These reforms are essential for creating sustainable jobs and fostering economic growth that benefits young people.
The proposed agenda for FfD4 includes concrete mechanisms for funding education, healthcare, and green job initiatives, all vital to achieving SDGs 4, 8, and 13.
Young advocates should call for fairer debt restructuring and increased transparency in financial dealings to ensure that resources are directed towards programs that uplift their communities.
As the summit approaches, Zimbabwean youth should mobilise to ensure their voices are heard. They should form coalitions to develop evidence-based policy demands and leverage social media to amplify their message.
Their goal is clear: to hold leaders accountable for financial commitments that directly impact their lives.
With the world watching, the decisions made in Seville could shape the future of Zimbabwe’s youth. As they demand a financial system that supports their aspirations and facilitates sustainable development, the outcome of FfD4 may prove pivotal in unlocking the potential of a generation currently constrained by systemic failures.
Co-authored by Jon Kafuko, Programs Officer, Youth For Tax Justice Network
wtf lol