Rwandans from all walks of life on Tuesday, January 23, began arriving at Kigali Convention Centre, where the 19th National Dialogue Council Umushyikirano will take place for the next two days, with a focus on national development, unity and youth empowerment.

The two-day event, chaired by the President, is a homegrown initiative that champions accountability and dialogue amongst Rwandans in the country, and those abroad as well as friends of Rwanda.

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According to the programme seen by The New Times, Umushyikirano 2024 will be opened by the State of the Nation Address.

The national dialogue will review the implementation of the seven-year National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) which is drawing to an end.

The strategy, adopted in 2017, set out the Government&039;s plans for achieving the Vision 2050 for economic development. It built on lessons learned, successes and challenges encountered in previous medium-term development strategies.

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A panel discussion on Tuesday will be about economic resilience, the potential of traditional and emerging sectors.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement will give a presentation on Rwanda’s journey of unity and resilience.

Another panel discussion will be about the role of youth leadership in shaping Rwanda’s future.

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Thousands of participants, who include leaders, those in the public and private sectors, religious leaders and the ordinary citizens, are set to discuss issues of national interest, point out the challenges to development and deliberate the possible solutions.

Those unable to attend in person in Kigali participate through telephone calls, social media, SMS, as well as follow the discussions on television and radio. They can also send in their questions and suggestions.

At the end of the discussions, the delegates draw up resolutions that guide what is done in the year ahead.

The 2024 Umushyikirano takes place as the country prepares to hold the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

As announced by the government, the 19th national dialogue provides "an opportunity to reflect on Rwanda&039;s unity and resilience journey as we approach Kwibuka 30 and efforts to empower young Rwandans to lead national transformation.”

Rwandans will also go to the polls in July for the presidential and parliamentary elections.

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The last edition of Umushyikirano took place in February 2023. It resolved to increase agricultural and livestock productivity through access to finance for farmers and to foster national unity and reconciliation.

Also among the key resolutions was the improvement of public transport, increased engagement of the diaspora in national development, improvement of the quality of education, and addressing issues in public service delivery.

There were also measures to curb inflationary pressures and enhance preventive measures against non-communicable diseases and improvement of the healthcare workforce, among other resolutions.