The Executive Secretary, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax delivered a keynote address to the 17th Africa Scout Conference on “the place of youth organizations in achieving sustainable development.”

Speaking in Harare, Dr. Tax said that being present at the conference is an opportunity for SADC to engage Scouts in the development of the SADC region and other countries in Africa. She encouraged, especially the Scouts of Zimbabwe to take advantage of the new dispensation in the country to contribute to national transformation.

She noted that the theme of the conference was in line with SADC’s 2018 theme on “promoting sustainable infrastructure development and youth empowerment for sustainable development” which put young people at the centre of the sustainable development agenda. “Scouts have well aligned by focusing on youth empowerment for the achievement of sustainable development. If countries are to develop and leave no one behind then youth must be involved,” said Dr. Tax.

She called on the need to fully utilize youth potentials as agents of change in a positive manner. “With good mentorship and necessary skills youth can become agents of change, peace and security,” she added.

The Executive Secretary further recognized the influence of Scouts to become role models and inspire others to do good. She concluded by calling upon stakeholders to take advantage of Scout programmes to harness youth dividend to advocate for positive change.