President Paul Kagame accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Jeannette Kagame, yesterday called on Rwandan youth to carry forward the legacy of dignity that has helped put the country on the road to prosperity.

The President was speaking at the inaugural Rwanda Youth Forum, a gathering that brings together youth from across North America.

"As children of Rwanda, you are the guardians of this legacy of agaciro. Let it be reflected every day in your thoughts, words, and above all, deeds,” Kagame said.

"Rwanda has very high ambitions, and few resources, but we must get there because we have you. There are no apologies to be made about this. This is the mindset of a nation, that has chosen agaciro for itself,” the President added.

More than 500 young Rwandans from different corners of United States and Canada gathered in Dallas, Texas to talk about their country and the role of the youth in the development of their motherland. 

Turning the clock back in time, President Kagame highlighted the role youth played in liberating Rwanda and the sacrifices that we made to ensure the struggle was successful.

"Rwanda was liberated by young people like you. We listened to our conscience, and recognised our duty to fight injustice. Many of us gave our youth to this cause. So many others gave their lives to the struggle so that you would not have to. The liberation mindset must remain alive in all of us, until we achieve social and economic transformation,” he said.

President Kagame further challenged the youth to seize Rwanda’s opportunities, focus on excellence and expect results.

"Do not accept or tolerate mediocrity, in yourselves or in others. Defy the low expectations that some may have of you or that you may even have of yourself. You simply do not have the luxury of getting tired or giving up.”

President Kagame was joined on a panel moderated by Ziain Verjee themed "Owning the Future” by Ephraim Rwamwenge, CEO of Rwa Business Group; Aloys Zunguzungu, Founder of Rwandans 4 Water; Charity Kabango, Co-Founder Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners; Sandrine Irankunda, Vice President of Atlanda Rwandan Community.

During the panel discussion, the youth shared their contribution to Rwanda’s development, roles that feature investment, job creation as well as support to social and public service.

"Rwanda can be a great country, its young people can be great if they make the right choices,” the President said.