Tokyo, 1st February 2024—
Nine Zambian youths among 228 participants worldwide, are part of the International Youth Exchange Program in Japan dubbed “The Ship for World Youth Program 2024 taking place from the 24th of January to the 21st of February 2024.
The Youths will be aboard the passenger ship “Nippon Maru” from the 28th of January to the 21st of February 2024.
The International Youth Exchange Program is organised by the Cabinet office and government of Japan and aims to empower and foster future leaders, promoting mutual understanding, friendship and international cooperation among youths who represent the core force of the next generation.
During the program, Japanese and foreign youths will participate in diverse activities, including exchange programs involving research and discussions on global topics, the introduction of culture from their respective countries, and the observation of industrial cultural, and educational institutions. These activities are designed to foster deeper friendships and cultivate a spirit of goodwill.
The Program will further enable participants to fully utilise the valuable experience obtained to launch diverse activities for promoting social contribution and international understanding and cooperation in their respective communities through their various professions.
State Minister of the Cabinet of Japan Mr. Kudo Shozo highlighted the importance of nurturing global leaders and encouraged the youths to develop a safe and peaceful world.
“Through this program, I hope that you will understand and respect each other’s diversity and develop life long standing relationship and cultivate leadership skills for the future including contributions to both local and global communities”, said Mr. Shozo.
“The voyage will include ports of call for Kyoto, Hyogo and Kochi prefectures and am sure that you will be able to experience the charms and challenges of each region. Even just within Japan, each region has its own culture and beautiful scenery, I hope that you will take this opportunity to experience the diversity and appeal of Japan”, he further added.
Zambian Ambassador to Japan Dr. Tobias Mulimbika commended the Japanese government for the long-standing relationship especially that this year marks 60 years of bilateral relations between Zambia and Japan.
Dr. Mulimbika expressed gratitude for Zambia’s participation in the program for the first time and encouraged the Zambian youths to take advantage of the program to share Zambia’s unique cultural heritage.
The Ship for World Youth Program has run for more than 30 years nurturing global leaders. This is the first time in four years that the program is being held in person after the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is contained in a statement issued by Faith Nabeene Chilube the fiirst Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Tokyo, Japan.
