Young Rwandans from across Switzerland, Austria and beyond gathered in Geneva for the 2nd Rwandan Youth Retreat in Switzerland, a full-day programme of dialogue, professional exchange and networking focused on strengthening their connection with Rwanda and exploring practical ways to contribute to the country’s development journey.

The Retreat brought together young people from diverse academic and professional backgrounds for discussions on identity and belonging, skills and expertise, professional development and the role of diaspora youth in Rwanda’s continued transformation. The programme combined a high-level keynote address, panel discussions, small-group exchanges and thematic professional workshops, culminating in the development of a Youth Engagement Roadmap. 

Delivering the keynote address virtually, Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Utumatwishima Jean Nepo Abdallah reflected on the central role young people have played in Rwanda’s history and the responsibility of the current generation to remain healthy, equipped and ready to contribute to the country.

“We believe that the only resource we truly have as a country is our people. Anything that harms our people, whether alcohol, drugs or other harmful behaviour, must be addressed.”

The Minister encouraged young Rwandans abroad to remain connected to one another, build communities of support and use the knowledge and expertise acquired in their respective countries to respond to opportunities and needs in Rwanda. He highlighted the different opportunities emerging across sectors and encouraged participants to translate their specialized skills, including in technology and artificial intelligence, into solutions that can contribute to Rwanda’s development.

In his welcome remarks on behalf of Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Edmond Tubanambazi underscored that the Retreat was designed as a space for young people themselves to exchange freely, identify opportunities and determine how their ideas could be translated into concrete action.

“We do not want this Retreat to be only a space where good ideas are exchanged. Ideas are important, but they take on their full value when translated into action. The Youth Engagement Roadmap should not be a document prepared for you. It must come from you.”

He encouraged participants to build relationships beyond the Retreat and to see engagement with Rwanda as taking many forms — from sharing expertise and creating professional and academic connections to entrepreneurship, investment, mentorship and strengthening Rwandan communities abroad.

Yves Cyaka, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Switzerland, and Fanny Kavutse, President of the Rwandan Diaspora in Austria, also addressed participants and reaffirmed their communities’ support for youth-led initiatives and continued youth engagement.

A central part of the Retreat was a panel discussion themed “From Identity to Engagement: Role of Diaspora Youth.” Moderated by Ntare Cesar, the conversation brought together Jessica Mwiza, Hervé Balikungeri, Cynthia Butare and Christian Muvunyi, who shared personal experiences of navigating their Rwandan identity while growing up abroad, reconnecting with Rwanda and finding different pathways to contribute. For some, that journey has included returning to Rwanda to live and work.

The discussions continued through interactive thematic workshops, facilitated by Dr. Mucyo Karemera, Hervé S. Maniraguha, Olexa Heshima, Dive Mpondo and Cynthia Butare. Participants exchanged experiences across different professional fields and explored how the skills, knowledge and networks developed abroad can be transformed into solutions relevant to Rwanda.

Four messages emerged strongly from the workshops: identity is an asset; expertise should translate into solutions; learning goes beyond the diploma; and contribution can take many forms — including returning, conducting research, investing and mentoring others. Participants also emphasized adaptability, continuous learning and the growing importance of skills in areas such as artificial intelligence. ROADMAP Presentation

‘’From ideas to action’’

The Retreat culminated in the development and presentation of a Youth Engagement Roadmap, intended to guide continued engagement beyond the gathering. 

The Roadmap identifies three practical areas for follow-up: connecting young Rwandans through thematic networks, mentorship and peer support; matching their expertise with Rwanda’s needs and opportunities, including stronger connections between students, researchers and institutions; and creating pathways through which identified challenges can become solutions, projects and youth-led initiatives. 

At its core is one shared direction: building a structured network connecting young Rwandans, their skills and ideas — with each other and with Rwanda. 

The Retreat concluded with an evening of music, culture and community, featuring performances by Rwandan-Swiss artist Christian Muvunyi and Inkindi Muyango (INKI) — a fitting close to a day full of meaningful connections and forward-looking discussions.