Namibian youth leader Sarah Tseitseimou recently participated in the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia.
The event, held from 5 to 8 June, is one of the largest gatherings of global economic leaders. Tseitseimou’s involvement underscores Namibia’s active engagement in international economic dialogues, and highlights the country’s commitment to fostering global economic partnerships. Her presence at SPIEF represents a significant milestone for Namibia’s youth in the global economic
arena.
“I want Namibian youth to expand their networking horizons. The world is your oyster, and your dreams are valid. Perseverance is key, believe in yourself. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be part of such a world-class event, but it all started with a leap of faith when I applied for the South African BRICS Youth Association competition,” she said.
Tseitseimou’s invitation came from the Friends for Leadership organisation, a non-profit dedicated to uniting young, talented change-makers from around the world, who are eager to make a difference in their professions and communities.
Reflecting on her experience at SPIEF, she described it as inspirational. “The world’s most powerful businessmen and women were present. The president of the Russian Federation addressed us at the plenary session, discussing economic development and the country’s advancements over the years.
“It provided profound insight into Russia’s economic stance, including its impressively low unemployment rate of 2%. Hearing these leaders share their strategies for national growth, especially those involving youth empowerment, was incredibly motivating.”
As the sole Namibian participant, Tseitseimou felt honoured and privileged to represent her country on such a prestigious platform.
She encouraged Namibian youth to follow, engage and participate in similar platforms, and to always value their beginnings within their own country.
In May, she represented Namibia at the BRICS+ Youth Summit in Pretoria, South Africa, an opportunity she described as a remarkable learning journey. The BRICS+ Youth Summit is a platform fostering innovation and collaboration among young minds.
Tseitseimou participated in the Health Tech and Biotechnology category, presenting her innovative ideas, thus securing a spot at the 27th St Petersburg Summit.
She remains committed to harnessing technology and innovation for the betterment of her community and beyond, and sees platforms like the BRICS + Youth Summit as essential conduits for amplifying youth voices and driving impactful change on a global scale.
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