South Africa and the United Arab Emirates are seeking stronger cooperation to expand opportunities for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and international exchange programmes.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga met UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi on the sidelines of the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam, India.
The bilateral engagement focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries on youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and meaningful youth participation in development.
Chikunga said South Africa wants to expand collaboration in areas that directly affect young people, including young persons with disabilities.
“We are hoping that we can have more collaboration in the areas of exchange programmes, skills development and transfers, including entrepreneurship and innovation between the youth from both our countries,” Chikunga said.
The Minister outlined South Africa’s youth development framework, including the National Development Plan 2030 and National Youth Policy.
The National Youth Policy prioritises education and skills development, economic participation, job creation, entrepreneurship, social cohesion, nation-building and stronger youth development institutions.
Chikunga also highlighted South Africa’s experience in using international partnerships to create practical empowerment opportunities.
Among these initiatives is the Solar Technology Training Programme, known as the Solar Mamas programme, developed in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCI FLO) and Barefoot College.
The initiative provides women with training in solar technology, helping participants develop practical skills while promoting self-reliance and socio-economic development within their communities.
South African stakeholders supporting the initiative have included the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and National Youth Development Agency.
The programme emerged from discussions around women’s empowerment during South Africa’s BRICS Chairship in 2023 and demonstrates how international cooperation can translate into practical skills and community-level opportunities.
Chikunga said stronger international partnerships could create further opportunities for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfer.
The South Africa-UAE engagement reinforces a broader focus on ensuring international cooperation translates into meaningful economic and development opportunities for young people.
As part of the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting programme, Chikunga also participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive, where delegates planted saplings in honour of their mothers.
Delegates visited the historic Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site to learn about the region’s Buddhist heritage and traditions of cultural exchange.
The BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint statement identifying opportunities for greater cooperation across youth development, education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and social participation.
