HE Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe highlighted the vital role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Singapore
Singapore, 2 March 2025 – The High Commissioner of South Africa to Singapore, HE Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, delivered a keynote address at the Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS), emphasising the critical role of youth in global affairs and sustainable development. The event, held at The Foundry, the new home of the Character & Leadership Academy (CLA), was organised in collaboration with GYLS Singapore.
As part of the summit, HE Lobe participated in a panel discussion alongside Master Chung Kwang Tong, Deputy Executive Director of CLA, on the topic “Why Youth Matters in Global Affairs & SDGs.” She underscored that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but active agents of change today, capable of driving innovative solutions to global challenges. The panel explored key issues such as youth participation in policymaking, climate action, environmental stewardship, urban development, and peace and security.
Following the panel, HE Lobe joined CLA’s Executive Director, Dr Delane Lim, and other leaders from CLA and GYLS to unveil the new GYLS logo, symbolising a renewed commitment to youth empowerment. During her address, she urged youth-led organisations to take an active role in translating the 2030 Agenda into policies and holding governments accountable.
The event concluded with an appreciation lunch, where attendees agreed on the importance of youth engagement in achieving the SDGs. HE Lobe proposed further collaboration between the South African High Commission and CLA, including youth exchange programmes and a sustainability-focused competition in honour of Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July 2025.
