Uganda has taken a significant step in advocating for the representation of African youth and the Global South at the recently concluded Summit of the Future held in New York, USA. The call to action was made by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during a High-level Africa Youth Forum.
The Prime Minister emphasised Uganda’s notable successes in addressing youth development concerns and representation, urging world leaders, particularly the United Nations, to prioritise youth affairs in the development agenda and emphasising the importance of peace and security.
“Africa’s youth deserve a seat at the table,” said Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Nabbanja. She also noted that the youthful African population should be seen as a resource rather than a challenge or burden.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted President Museveni’s commitment to the African Youth Charter, citing his directive to establish a National Steering Committee to oversee its implementation on July 5, 2022. “President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remains a strong advocate for initiatives that promote Africa’s economic growth and prosperity,” Nabbanja added.
Daniel Obal, President Museveni’s Special Presidential Assistant on Youth Affairs, echoed Nabbanja’s sentiments, stressing the need for the United Nations to empower youth, especially in terms of effective funding to support innovative African youth ideas and job creation.
“Multilateral institutions must provide effective funding to support Africa’s innovative youth and create jobs,” Obal said.
Other key speakers, including 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), highlighted the crucial role of youth involvement in achieving sustainable development.
Sierra Leone’s Presidential Youth Advisor, Desmond Pessima, praised Uganda’s defence of pan-Africanism. Meanwhile, Namibia’s Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports, and National Service stressed the importance of multilateral institutions reflecting young people’s aspirations.
The Director of the African Union Commission Women, Gender & Youth Directorate commended Uganda, Namibia, and Sierra Leone for vibrant youth representation in their presidents’ offices and underscored the need for an African Union Champion on Youth Affairs to amplify youth voices further.
In conclusion, Uganda’s Foreign Minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo, and his deputy, Okello Oryem, addressed the gathering and pledged Uganda’s continued commitment to creating spaces for youth representation.
“We commit to creating spaces for youth to share their views, shaping Africa’s future.” Gen. Jeje Odongo concluded
The side event to explore young people’s perspectives on the 2024 Summit of the Future and the acceleration of the 2030 agenda was organised by the Government of Uganda in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union. The event aimed to highlight the contribution of youth in international and global deliberations on sustainable development.
The Summit of the Future is a high-level event that seeks to forge a new international consensus on delivering a better present and safeguarding the future.
