China-based Zimbabwean Vimbayi Kajese was on Tuesday named among outstanding Young Global Leaders (YGLs) for 2012 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The honour, bestowed each year by the forum, recognises up to 200 outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.
Kajese is currently a news presenter with China Central Television’s CCTV-9 in China. She is the daughter of President Robert Mugabe’s Chief of Protocol Munyaradzi Kajese.
Prominent banker Nigel Chanakira and Kenya-based human rights and democracy activist Brian Kagoro were in 2005 also nominated by WEF.
In 2007, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara also made it into the list.
In 2009, Kajese made history by becoming the first African to anchor a news bulletin in China. In 2010, she was appointed cultural ambassador to that country by the Chinese government.
In honouring Kajese in 2010, Chinese Ambassador Xin Shunkang said she played an important role as a news anchor in China since she was the medium through which millions of people got informed.
“Kajese is also a friendship envoy for Zimbabwe to China. Her work is always to tell people of friendship, to tell people what’s going on between the two countries,” he said.
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For 2012, the forum selected 192 YGLs from 59 countries across various sectors, including business, civil society, social entrepreneurs, politics and government.
The new class originates from East Asia (38), South Asia (19), Europe (46), Middle East and North Africa (15), sub-Saharan Africa (18), North America (37) and Latin America (19).
“In the last few years, the world has seen the biggest recession in almost a century and we now face daunting global challenges,” said Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.
“Recovery and innovation will require new, unique ideas and an environment where the best minds, ideas and leadership can thrive. The most important determinant of this will be how we use human talent.
“Within the World Economic Forum community, the Young Global Leaders represent the voice for the future and the hopes of the next generation.
“I am particularly proud of this year’s honourees, who I believe will address the challenges we face in a meaningful way through fresh thinking and true multi-stakeholder engagement.”
The 2012 honourees will become part of the broader forum of YGLs community that currently comprises 713 outstanding individuals.
YGLs convene at an annual summit, which will be held this year in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from April 14-18.
YGLs are actively engaged in the community, integrated into events organised by the WEF, and organise events of their own, as well as launch and lead their own innovative, initiatives and task forces.
