The Kiriri Presidential Palace recently hosted the fifth edition of the High-Level Forum of Women Leaders, under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye. This two-day event, held from October 7 to 8, 2024, brought together more than 800 participants to discuss the theme “Investing in Early Childhood to Build Solid Human Capital Throughout Life.”
The forum’s focus aligns with Burundi’s commitment to inclusive leadership and development, as highlighted by the event moderator, Ines Nshimirimana. Dr. Thadée Ndikumana, Executive Secretary of OPDD Burundi, shared that the forum aims to “accelerate inclusive development” through dialogue and collaboration. Dr. Ndikumana explained that the objectives of the forum include assessing the state of early childhood in Burundi, sharing experiences, and mobilizing investments to bolster human capital. He emphasized that the forum goes beyond discussions and has already contributed to policy proposals, such as increasing the legal age of marriage and improving national nutrition strategies.
One notable initiative is a $120 million project funded by the World Bank to enhance human capital through school nutrition programs and family planning initiatives. These efforts, Dr. Ndikumana noted, are instrumental in developing Burundi’s human resources, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
In her address, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, raised awareness of the ongoing violence in the eastern DRC, which she attributed to attacks from Rwanda. She highlighted how this violence endangers children’s futures and compromises the well-being of women. Nyakeru Tshisekedi also emphasized her commitment to fighting sickle cell anemia, a significant health issue in the DRC, which ranks third globally in cases, following India and Nigeria. She called for concerted action to safeguard the rights and health of vulnerable populations, crucial for sustainable development.
Tamara Vučić, the First Lady of Serbia, underscored the importance of quality education in shaping children’s futures. She stated that education is “the most powerful lever for ensuring equal opportunities for success in life,” with early childhood being a critical period for cognitive development. Vučić urged for increased investment in education to allow all children, regardless of background, to reach their full potential. She stressed that equal access to quality education, especially in the first three years of life, is essential for future success.
The First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, highlighted the forum’s role as a platform to shape policies that support child development and well-being. She advocated for the importance of nutrition, healthcare, and education in building solid human capital, essential to realizing Burundi’s vision of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. Ndayishimiye also called attention to children born in challenging circumstances, such as those in prisons, emphasizing the need for inclusive care. She concluded by stressing that women’s empowerment is crucial for fostering a nurturing environment for children.
President Ndayishimiye launched the forum by expressing concern over the impact of economic progress on children’s development, particularly due to increased screen exposure and reliance on caregivers. He advocated for a balanced approach to parenting, urging parents to instill independence and a strong work ethic in their children. “Raising children well involves teaching them independence and the value of effort,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of nurturing responsible and resilient young people.
On the event’s sidelines, President Ndayishimiye welcomed four First Ladies: Tamara Vučić of Serbia, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi of the DRC, Zita Oligui Nguema of Gabon, and Oluremi Tinubu of Nigeria. Together with Burundi’s First Lady, they discussed issues of common interest, including initiatives that promote female leadership and cross-country collaboration. In addition, First Lady Ndayishimiye hosted a meeting with Vučić, where they explored shared goals and expressed mutual interest in cultural exchanges, marking the strengthening of ties between Burundi and Serbia.
The High-Level Forum of Women Leaders continues to serve as a valuable platform for fostering dialogue and promoting initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s leadership and advancing the well-being of future generations in the region and beyond.
