THEME : THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN RWANDA

The Students’ Conference on “the role of youth in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" in Rwanda was organized by the Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN) and attracted more than 200 experts from different public institutions, NGOs, researchers and academics institutions, private companies and development partners. This students competition was held on 29th November, 2017 at University of Rwanda college of Business and Economics.

The conference started by the welcoming remarks of Dr. GASHEJA Faustin, Acting Principal of University of Rwanda - College of Business and Economics. In his speech, he thanked EPRN for organizing this conference as it is a good opportunity not only for students but also for everyone who is in the field of economics, he also appreciate the presenters (contestants) for their commitment and for being the best among the best.

EPRN legal representative, Dr. Charles Ruhara Mulindabigwi also gave opening remarks and he said that “EPRN want to raise knowledge in research related to economy as it helps in policy decision making”, He said also that it was not easy journey for the contestants to finalize their papers as it was their first time.

EPRN Coordinator Seth Kwizera delivered a presentation about the history of EPRN Students Chapter as an opportunity for students to learn more about current economic topics, linking students with professional researchers, internships, trainings, student competitions and many more. There were also other speakers such as Dr Hermann Van Boemel from GIZ and Eric Nkunzingabo Coordinator of SDSN Youth Network.

There were 5 presenters who contested by presenting their papers. Three Panelists facilitated in choosing the best among the contestants : Dr. Charles Ruhara Mulindabigwi-Deputy Dean at UR-CBE school of economics, Dr. Richard Kabanda, Lecturer at University of Rwanda and Charles Kamuru-Public Relations and communication manager at University of Kigali.

After the competition, judges ranked papers from number one to the fifth. EPRN gave certificates to all presenters and the presented papers were financially awarded as it is shown below :