Gabon Youth Program Stresses Respect and Responsibility
Updated: 23 hours ago
Franceville, Gabon – As part of the celebration of International Youth Day, UPF-Gabon and the Mvéngué International Multisectoral Center for Training and Vocational Education (CIMFEPM) co-organized a special conference on August 12, 2026, on the theme “The Role of Youth and Students in Creating a Culture of Lasting Peace and Mutual Prosperity.” During a dynamic and inspiring two-hour session, students, mentors and speakers discussed issues related to ethics, entrepreneurship and civic engagement.
UPF-Gabon Secretary General Mr. Juslin Iwangou welcomed the guests as they arrived at the
CIMFEPM amphitheater, and provided them with brochures detailing UPF’s mission, vision and activities around the world.
The program was officially opened by the director of CIMFEPM, Ms. Brunette Mbang, who outlined the context and purpose of the gathering. She told the students that they hold the future of their families and their country in their hands, and that Gabon needs young people who are curious, hardworking and united. Success, she said, does not fall from the sky – it is built through the discipline of showing up each morning, respect for teachers, mutual support among classmates, and the courage never to give up when an exercise seems difficult.
Mrs. Mbang invited the youth to mark this day with three simple commitments:
Work seriously – school is your first job
Respect others – difference is an asset, not a problem
Love your country – study for yourself, but also for your family and for Gabon
Each of the organizers then gave an audiovisual presentation on their work. CIMFEPM showed a video outlining its training programs, its facilities, and the career-integration opportunities available to young learners. UPF presented an overview of its global initiatives in support of intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding, good governance, human rights, character education and interfaith dialogue, as well as its humanitarian activities around the world.
The heart of the conference was the sharing by two inspiring young ambassadors for peace. Mr. Gévy Assene Mbadinga, drawing on his own life journey, strongly encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship. He described his path as an entrepreneur, explaining how he built his own industrial and building maintenance company after recognizing his own versatile potential. He emphasized the importance of balancing studies with work, and encouraged young people to develop their skills while staying true to their values. His moving testimony underscored that resilience, creativity and initiative are essential levers for overcoming obstacles and building lasting financial independence.
Mr. Shin Zinsou Mouendo, drawing on character-education material titled "Where Can I Learn to Be Good," stressed the crucial importance of building good character and respecting one's parents as the foundation for becoming a virtuous member of society. He noted that professional excellence cannot bear fruit without values of integrity, respect and responsibility, showing that before being talented and popular, it is more important to be good. He also explained why the family is the best setting in which to learn to live for others.
Throughout the session the MC, Ms. Marie-Paule Itoumba, ensured that exchanges flowed smoothly and stayed engaging. She commended the audience for their attentive listening and offered words of encouragement, urging the students to translate what they had learned into concrete daily actions. She encouraged the young people to be responsible and to take charge of their own futures, stressing that change in Gabon will depend on their commitment.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Mbang, who reiterated her thanks to UPF, to the speakers, and to all participants, both in person and on Zoom. In closing the session, she invited each young person to become a genuine agent of change, working actively toward a society of peace and shared prosperity.
