NYARUGENGE - President Paul Kagame on Saturday urged youth to own the country’s development path if the desired prosperity of this nation is to be attained.

He made the call during the official launch of Imbuto Foundation’s fifth Youth Forum Series at Kigali Serena Hotel.

"People who are proud of being who they are or the successes they have witnessed and achieved have had to own these processes without any exceptions,” President Kagame said.

Kagame noted that the need to own these processes should be made clear to the youth at the earliest age.

"You do not have to wait until you are 30, 40 or 50, because the older you become, grasping new ideas starts to become a little more difficult,” Kagame said.

With regard to the challenges that Rwanda has faced in the past, President Kagame called upon the youth to actively participate in the country’s transformation process.

The First Lady and Patron of Imbuto Foundation, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, advised the youth to be disciplined in order to realise their future dreams.

She also encouraged them to be innovative and competitive but also allow parents and leaders to guide and nurture them as they set out to achieve their goals.

"As much as we want you to see the world, we can not help but worry that you may not always be fully aware of its dangers. We have been there before you and can tell which stones are slippery and which ones are firm,” she noted.

Under the theme "Aspire to Inspire,” the conference brought together Rwandan youth from within and those from the Diaspora.

Imbuto Foundation’s Youth Leadership and Mentorship programme was initiated in 2007 to ensure that Rwandan youth play a vital role in the development of the country.

The conference was also addressed by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen James Kabarebe who gave a detailed account of Rwanda’s liberation struggle.

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