A young creative voice from Botswana, Zanele Moyo, has been selected to participate in the 21st International Youth Media Summit (IYMS), set to take place in Paris, France from 17 to 30 July. The selection marks a significant milestone for the Mochudi-born storyteller, who continues to build a strong presence in film and digital storytelling spaces. The summit will be hosted at the Fondation des États-Unis and will bring together 50 young participants from more than 20 countries. These delegates include filmmakers, journalists, activists and storytellers who use media to influence social change. The programme is designed to develop youth driven solutions to global challenges through creative expression and collaboration.
The summit theme, “Peace in Focus: Voices Reaching Across Borders,” places emphasis on storytelling as a tool for dialogue and transformation. Participants will explore pressing global issues such as violence, discrimination, poverty, women’s rights, health and youth empowerment. The format encourages young creatives to work in teams, share perspectives and produce media content that reflects real world challenges. This approach helps participants move beyond theory and focus on practical storytelling that can influence audiences and communities. It also builds cross cultural understanding by connecting young people from diverse backgrounds in one collaborative space.
For Zanele Moyo, this opportunity represents more than international travel. It reflects recognition of her work across film, theatre, photography and digital media. She views the summit as a platform to elevate Botswana’s creative voice on a global stage while learning from other emerging storytellers. She has described the experience as a chance to return home with stronger skills, new collaborations and expanded creative perspectives. Her focus remains on using storytelling as a tool for social impact and community engagement. This aligns with the broader goals of the summit, which prioritises youth led change through media production.
The International Youth Media Summit has built a reputation for empowering young creators to produce content that addresses real societal issues. Participants are expected to engage in workshops, group projects and discussions that challenge them to think critically about global inequality and human rights. The experience also helps them develop technical media skills, including production, editing and narrative development. For many delegates, it becomes a turning point in their creative careers by opening access to international networks and mentorship. The environment encourages responsibility, creativity and leadership among young media practitioners.
Zanele Moyo’s selection highlights the growing visibility of Botswana’s young creatives in international spaces. Her participation is expected to strengthen her professional journey while contributing to the country’s representation in global storytelling platforms. The summit offers a unique opportunity for her to collaborate with peers who share a passion for using media as a force for change. It also reinforces the importance of investing in young storytellers who can shape public understanding through authentic narratives. As she prepares for Paris, her journey reflects both personal ambition and national pride, showing how creative talent from Botswana continues to gain recognition worldwide.
