Sweden, UNICEF sign deal for promotion of social innovations in Zim

zwnews.com Reporter- Lovemore Lubinda

The Swedish government through its embassy in Harare will today sign an agreement for its contribution to the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) for the promotion of social innovation in Zimbabwe.

The signing ceremony will take place at the Embassy of Sweden in the capital this morning at 10:00 hours, the Sweden Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Sofia Calltorp, Deputy Head of Mission and Head Development Cooperation (Sida), and the UNICEF Representative in the country Dr. Mohamed Ayoya are going to append their signatures.

In 2015, UNICEF developed a project called ‘Green Innovators Hub’ whose overall objective was to ignite creative ideas, unlock young people’s potential to environmental sustainability and renewable energy through social innovation.

“The project aims to address the still pertinent dual challenge of climate change and youth employment in the country,” said UNICEF in a statement.

UNICEF says the financial contribution of US$748 430 from the Swedish international Development Cooperation Agency will enable it to scale up the project through the recruitment of more, budding entrepreneurs and the placement of 20 young innovators into the private sector.

UNICEF in association with other developmental partners has been involved in a number of projects and interventions that seek to promote sustainable development in the country in various sectors including education and health sectors, in areas such as water, sanitary, and hygiene.