Dar es Salaam. More than six million young Tanzanians have been empowered with knowledge and skills to champion democracy, human rights, gender equality, climate-smart agriculture, and the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), marking a historic step in shaping a generation committed to sustainable development.
The milestone was highlighted during the commemoration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Day in Dar es Salaam, hosted by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Tanzania.
The event brought together young leaders from across East Africa to reflect on progress and share solutions for advancing the global goals.
According to the Embassy’s Programme Officer, Ms Chikulupi Kasaka, the initiative has already transformed lives in regions such as Singida, where technology is being deployed to combat FGM.
Residents there can now report cases through smartphones and even basic mobile phones, breaking barriers to justice and protection.
“We are proud to be part of the SDG journey. Since 2022, more than six million youth have benefited from our programmes. These efforts not only strengthen communities but also support national progress in tackling poverty,” Ms Kasaka said.
Tanzania has also earned international recognition for spearheading clean cooking energy initiatives, with communities themselves driving adoption of safer, more sustainable solutions. Dutch Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Marjo Comproets, urged young people to seize opportunities in such transformative efforts.
“It is crucial for young people to take an active role in poverty eradication and clean cooking energy initiatives, so they can directly benefit from these developments,” she said, reaffirming her embassy’s commitment to youth empowerment and the realisation of the SDGs.
Inclusivity was another rallying call at the gathering. Mr Kelvin Nicholaus, Director of Africaft, stressed that sustainable change demands participation from all social groups, whose ideas and feedback enrich programmes and ensure they leave no one behind.
The event also spotlighted stories of resilience and entrepreneurship. Ugandan businesswoman Ms Shalom Nicolette shared how embracing opportunities linked to the SDGs had enabled her to build a thriving enterprise.
She challenged young people across the region to tap into local opportunities to transform both their lives and their communities.
With millions already engaged, Tanzania’s youth stand at the forefront of a continental movement redefining climate action, equality, and human rights – a force proving that the SDGs are not distant aspirations, but living realities.
