Good evening, everyone. It’s been quite a long and intense day for all of us, but also very fulfilling. Today, we have explored so many diverse aspects—from discussions with youth leaders, to in-depth conversations on education, celebrating graduates, and an important panel on women in research. I know many of you must be tired, so I will keep my remarks brief.

What has truly stood out today is the forward-looking spirit of the discussions. We live in a rapidly changing world, and it’s been inspiring to see your ideas and plans for the future. You are already leveraging past experiences to address the challenges ahead.

There are countless economic and social changes taking place, which is why we need young people like you. You bring energy, ideas, and motivation, and many of you are already highly skilled. But rest assured, we—the current generation—are here to support and guide you in your endeavors.

For us at the European Union and our member states, engaging with youth isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. It’s something we are deeply committed to. Your innovative approaches and passion are essential for the continued progress of our societies.

Today, we’ve had a strong presence from various representatives, including members of the EU Youth Sounding Board. It has been heartening to see youth from different countries come together. Let me emphasize that the European Union and our member states are committed to supporting education, research, and collaboration across borders, from providing scholarships to fostering cooperation between universities.

We are also devoted to supporting youth employment and enhancing educational opportunities. Gender equality and equal opportunities remain key focuses for us, not only in Tanzania but across the world. We value our ongoing partnership with the East African Community, which is a bit like a sister organization to us, as we both know the value of integration and people-to-people connections.

Earlier this year, we hosted lively and constructive debates here, and it is clear there is a need for such discussions globally, and particularly in this region. Debates and open discourse are fundamental components of a healthy political system. To young people, I encourage you to learn how to engage in debate—it’s an essential skill that will serve you well in diverse teams and beyond.

Building and maintaining networks is equally important. Networks evolve, but the people you meet along the way often remain valuable contacts throughout your journey. These are the individuals who will provide you with honest, constructive feedback, helping you grow personally and professionally.

Lastly, I want to highlight the importance of hard work, but also of building literacy in technology, social media, and information analysis. Unlike previous generations, you have access to vast amounts of information, and knowing how to evaluate what is credible is vital.

I hope the discussions over the next two days are fruitful. We are proud to contribute to this event as the European Union, and I thank you all for your dedication and enthusiasm. Asante sana!