ULK Represented at National Intergenerational Dialogue on Stable Families and Youth Leadership
On 30 December 2025, Kigali Independent University (ULK) was represented at a high-level Intergenerational Dialogue on Stable Families and Youth Behaviour for Preparing Future Leaders of Rwanda, held at the Plenary Hall of the Chamber of Deputies. The dialogue was organized by the Rwanda Women Parliamentarians Forum (FFRP) under the Chamber of Deputies, in partnership with UN Women.
ULK’s participation was ensured through its student leadership, represented by Mr. Nishimwe Innocent, Guild President of AGEULK, who attended the event as the official student representative of the university, following an official invitation from the Office of the Clerk of the Chamber of Deputies.
The dialogue aimed to strengthen collaboration between generations in addressing issues related to family stability, youth behaviour, and leadership development. The key objectives included promoting open intergenerational discussions, analyzing challenges affecting families and young people in Rwanda, and identifying strategies to nurture responsible youth grounded in strong moral and cultural values.
The meeting officially commenced at 09:00 AM and was opened by the Chairperson of the Rwanda Women Parliamentarians Forum (FFRP) Hon. Uwizeye Marie Thérèse the UN Women Representative in Rwanda Jennet Kem, and the Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in charge of legislation and government oversight Hon. Beline Uwineza. Their opening remarks emphasized the central role of the family as the foundation of societal stability and effective leadership.
Several key presentations shaped the dialogue. FFRP shared findings from field visits to families experiencing domestic conflicts, highlighting root causes, and proposing preventive approaches. The National Youth Council (NYC) presented an overview of the current situation of youth in society, outlining both challenges and expectations placed on elders and institutions.
An academic presentation by University of Rwanda provided research-based insights into the evolving state of the Rwandan family. Additional contributions were made by Imbuto Foundation, Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum (REAF), Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), and Ministry of National Unity & Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), focusing on national policies and programs aimed at strengthening families, promoting cultural values, enhancing resilience, and preparing ethical and responsible youth leaders.
An interactive session followed, allowing participants including youth representatives to exchange perspectives and propose practical, actionable solutions to reinforce family cohesion and positive youth behaviour.
The dialogue resulted in a shared understanding of the pressing challenges facing families and youth, alongside a renewed commitment to reinforcing family values as a cornerstone for leadership development. Emphasis was placed on youth empowerment, ethical conduct, cultural identity, and collaboration among government institutions, civil society, and youth organizations.
Mr. Nishimwe Innocent, Guild President of AGEULK who officially represented ULK
For ULK, the dialogue provided valuable insights directly relevant to student leadership development and youth engagement. Speaking after the event, the Guild President emphasized the importance of translating these national discussions into concrete actions within the university community.
The Intergenerational Dialogue proved to be both informative and impactful. ULK remains committed to nurturing responsible and ethical value-driven leaders. Insights gained from this national platform will be shared with relevant student bodies, reinforcing ULK’s role in promoting ethical leadership, strong family values, and positive youth behaviour in alignment with Rwanda’s national development vision.
All participants in a group photo after the dialogue
