Kenyan Valarie Neema Waswa has joined the inaugural cohort of the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) fellows, completing a transformative development week in Switzerland. This prestigious initiative, launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with Huawei, supports 30 young leaders annually for a three-year term.
The GCYLP, which received applications from over 5,000 candidates across 200 countries, offers its fellows mentorship and financial backing to advance digital technology projects aimed at community development. Over the course of the programme, participants engage in a series of high-impact activities, including leadership chats, intergenerational discussions, and visits to notable institutions such as Geneva University and Huawei Switzerland in Zurich.
Waswa, a rising lawyer committed to enhancing women's and youth inclusion in governance, is among the 30 selected from a competitive global pool. Her previous work spans various roles from youth activism to advocacy, focusing on peace and socio-economic development.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava from ITU and Selina Wen from Huawei highlighted the programme’s importance in fostering young leaders who harness technology to tackle social challenges. The fellows' projects address diverse areas such as inclusive healthcare, digital skills training, and sustainable energy solutions.