In a compelling address at the High-Level Africa Youth Forum on September 21, 2024, Uganda’s Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja urged global leaders to prioritize Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.
Speaking from Uganda House in New York, she highlighted the significant potential of young people to drive economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.
The forum was held on the margins of the Summit of the Future, which focuses on multilateralism and the quest for better representation of Africa on the global stage.
Organized by the African Union, United Nations, and Uganda’s Permanent Mission, the event gathered policymakers, youth advocates, and experts to discuss strategies for empowering young people in Africa.
Prime Minister Nabbanja opened her remarks by emphasizing the urgent need for investment in education, skills training, and entrepreneurship. “Our youth represent a demographic dividend that can propel Africa into a new era of economic prosperity,” she asserted. “However, to unlock this potential, we must prioritize their development in our national and global agendas.”
During her address, Nabbanja called attention to the critical connection between peace, security, and youth involvement. “We cannot ignore the fact that a peaceful environment is essential for our youth to thrive. It is imperative that world leaders, particularly those at the United Nations, engage meaningfully with young people to create sustainable development pathways,” she stated.
The Prime Minister noted that just a few months prior, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the African Youth Charter. He announced the establishment of a National Steering Committee tasked with overseeing its implementation. “Our youth should not be seen as a burden but as a vital resource. They have the creativity, energy, and drive necessary to innovate and lead,” she said.
The discussions at the forum highlighted various initiatives aimed at empowering youth. Special Presidential Envoy on Youth Affairs Daniel Obal spoke passionately about the need for the United Nations to take more decisive actions in supporting young people. “The youth have been left behind in many key discussions,” he remarked. “It is time for us to ensure they are included in decision-making processes that affect their futures.”
Presenters at the forum included notable figures such as Ms. Prudence Ngwenya, Director of Women, Gender and Youth Affairs at the African Union Commission, and Ahuuna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa. Both emphasized the importance of integrating youth perspectives into policies that drive development. Ngwenya stressed that “youth involvement is not just an option; it is a necessity for sustainable development.”
The meeting was also attended by Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, and his Deputy, Hon. Okello Oryem, as well as numerous dignitaries from various sectors. Their presence underscored Uganda’s commitment to advocating for youth empowerment on an international platform.
During the forum, several panel discussions focused on best practices for youth engagement in governance, entrepreneurship, and education. Participants shared successful case studies from various African nations, illustrating how targeted investments in youth can lead to transformative change.
The overarching message of the forum was clear: for Africa to realize its full potential, young people must be positioned at the forefront of economic initiatives and decision-making processes. Prime Minister Nabbanja’s impassioned call to action has sparked renewed focus on the role of youth in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for the continent.
As the summit concluded, many left with a sense of urgency and hope, motivated to ensure that the voices of Africa’s youth are heard and valued in all aspects of development.
The path forward requires collaborative efforts among governments, international organizations, and the youth themselves to create a future where every young African can thrive.
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