Harare — ZIMBABWE is committed to meeting the provisions of the African Youth Charter and ensure that it is the benchmark upon which its implementation is judged, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has said.

Speaking at the official opening of the African Union capacity development workshop for youth leaders from across the African continent yesterday, Minister Kasukuwere said Zimbabwe has begun popularising the Charter.

Platforms such as the Africa Day celebrations and various other youth initiatives organised by the Ministry have been used in making people know about the Charter, said Minister Kasukuwere.

"It is a step forward in my ministry's youth programming efforts aimed at empowering Zimbabwean youth through scaling up their participation in all spheres of life in society," said Minister Kasukuwere.

"Zimbabwe is grateful to the AU Commission for choosing this country to host this five-day leadership capacity development workshop which is the first phase of the training process and is part of the revitalisation process of the Pan African Youth Union.

He commended the African Union for convening the workshop saying it was these capacity building programmes that would address issues dealing with youth and directly enhance their participation and leadership skills.

"Furthermore, the Charter places African youth at the centre of development of African nations and the continent by making provision for their advancement in key thematic areas which include education and skills development, poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods among others," he said.

Minister Kasukuwere said the Government was prepared to host the next conference of African Ministers in charge of youth affairs in 2010.

Parliament ratified the African Youth Charter last year before President Mugabe signed it on March 16 this year making it an official document.

Speaking at the same occasion, AU head of division (Human Resource and Youth) Dr Raymonde Agossou hailed the Zimbabwe Government for accepting to host the workshop.

She also paid tribute to the United Nations Children's Education Fund for helping in the implementation of their programmes.

Dr Agossou also said the revival of the Pan African Youth Union that culminated in the executive committee meeting held in Abuja late last year, has seen them being able to respond to youth expectations and strengthening their capacities.

"The challenges are multiple and of many kinds when we are addressing the African youth issues, but nothing will happen if the youth leaders do not play their respective roles in a more serious manner and I am convinced that a stronger, active and effective union would be appropriate in responding to the challenges facing the youth in Africa," Dr Agossou said.