VCWC partnership is a great deal for youth empowerment. Ojielo

The collaboration between the UN Rwanda, Veterans Club World Championship (VCWC) legends, the Government of Rwanda, and the Private sector is seen as a key stepping stone in transforming the economy, according to Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda.

Attending a private sector forum organized by VCWC in partnership with Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF) in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the United Nations represented by Mr. Ojielo and Mr. Phillipe Poinsot the UN Resident Coordinator in Cote d’Ivoire stated that youth are the primary beneficiaries of such partnerships.

They highlighted the profound experience of being in the same room with football legends from around the world and listening to their life experiences and motivations emphasizing that these experiences serve as powerful motivations for young people and that anything is possible in life if one is determined, works hard, and seizes their moment.

The purpose of the forum was to enable actors from the private sector, football legends, and international organizations expected to be in Rwanda for VCWC from 1st to 10th September 2024 to engage in meaningful conversations on common challenges and opportunities across the continent.

“When they got their opportunities, they grabbed them and ran with them. Their experiences are powerful motivations for young people wherever they are. Anything is possible in life if you are determined, work hard, and seize your moment” He said.  

Mr. Poinsot acknowledged the UN Rwanda team for taking the lead on this partnership with VCWC. This collaboration by the United Nations in Rwanda recognizes the significance of collaboration between different sectors in driving economic growth and development. By bringing together key stakeholders from various fields, including sports and business, they aim to create synergies and leverage each other's expertise for greater impact.

One of the main highlights of such forums is the opportunity for young people to hear directly from football legends who have made significant contributions to the sport. These legends share their life experiences, including both successes and failures, providing valuable insights into resilience, perseverance, and ambition.

The RC OJielo believes that these interactions can be transformative for young people, instilling in them the belief that they too can achieve greatness. By witnessing firsthand, the journeys of these legendary figures, youth are empowered to embrace their potential and take bold steps toward success.

 “These are the essential foundations for our work as a United Nations in Rwanda. To support the government and work with other stakeholders to give the Rwandan youth the same opportunities. The best of Rwanda is yet to come and the UN is determined to be part of that journey”, He mentioned.

By fostering collaboration and creating networks, this initiative aims to drive sustainable development and uplift communities across Rwanda and beyond.

While addressing the participants, the UN Resident Coordinator in Cote d'Ivoire Mr. Pointsot commended the partnership reiterating the United Nations' ambitions to be part of the initiative as timely.

“We want to thank our colleagues from Rwanda who took the lead on this opportunity. We will make sure we play our role in ensuring that sustainable partnerships are built to advance the sustainable development goals,”

The private sector plays a crucial role in this partnership as it brings investment opportunities, expertise, and resources to support initiatives that promote youth empowerment and economic transformation. Through these collaborations, young people gain exposure to successful individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable feats. This exposure can inspire them to dream big and pursue their goals with determination.

Mrs. Jeanne Françoise Mubiligi, the Acting Chairperson of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation applauded the role of sports, especially football in the economic transformation and lives of citizens adding that such partnerships needed to continue for the benefit of Africans.

“If football can contribute to bringing the whole Continent together through the Africa Cup of Nations, then it is equally the opportunity for the private sector across the continent to explore avenues of collaboration”,

Among the legends who participated were the British football legend and former Manchester United and Newcastle United striker Andrew Cole, the Portuguese icon and former forward for Paris Saint-Germain FC Pedro Miguel Carreiro commonly known as Pauleta, Patrick Mboma the former Cameroonian superstar among others.

The United Nations in Rwanda is a partner of the upcoming Veteran Clubs World Championship that will attract over 150 football Legends from all regions. The event will further host various side events to digest different issues in the areas of Education, Health, Business, Tourism, and Peace from 1st -10th September this year.