By Wallace Mawire
The United Nations in Zimbabwe has officially launched the UNited 4 Youth Inclusion programme an ambitious five-year inter-agency initiative designed to break barriers and open career pathways for young people, including those with disabilities.
The launch, held at the UN Compound in Harare and coinciding with International Youth Week, brought together senior UN officials, government representatives, youth leaders, civil society, and the media. With youth making up over 67% of Zimbabwe’s population, the country’s future depends on unlocking their potential.
Yet 1.4 million young Zimbabweans are currently not in employment, education, or training, with young people with disabilities facing even greater exclusion due to stigma, inaccessible environments, and systemic gaps.
“This initiative is a collaborative effort, uniting UN agencies, the government, civil society, and the youth themselves in a commitment to make youth inclusion a moral and developmental priority,’ said Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in his keynote remarks during the launch of the programme.
“It represents our dedication under the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy to lead by example in providing accessible spaces, inclusive employment, and decision-making platforms open to everyone,” he added.
“This programme was designed to create meaningful pathways for skills development among young people in Zimbabwe,” said Louise Chamberlain, UNV Deputy Executive Coordinator who is in the country to launch the initiative.
“Importantly, it aims to bridge the gap between tertiary education and entry into the workforce.” Through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) modality, the programme will place at least 15 young Zimbabweans annually in structured, year-long roles across various UN agencies.
Participants will receive mentorship, on-the-job training, and skills development, creating meaningful bridges from education to professional careers.
The UNited 4 Youth Inclusion programme aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Disability Policy (2021), National Youth Policy (2020), and the UN’s Youth 2030 and Disability Inclusion Strategy.
About UNited 4 Youth Inclusion A joint initiative by the UN Country Team in Zimbabwe, UNited 4 Youth Inclusion aims to advance inclusive youth employment by integrating youth—particularly those with disabilities—into the UN workforce. The programme emphasizes mentorship, training, and career development to ensure participants gain skills and confidence for long-term success.