In a powerful address at the Africa Youth Forum held during the Summit of the Future in New York, Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nabbanja Robinah, emphasized the critical importance of peace and security, calling on world leaders, particularly the United Nations, to prioritize youth affairs for sustainable development.

Prime Minister Nabbanja highlighted that earlier this year, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the African Youth Charter by establishing a National Steering Committee to oversee its implementation. She underscored that Africa’s youthful population should be viewed as an asset rather than a burden.

The Prime Minister also reiterated President Museveni’s dedication to initiatives that foster economic growth and prosperity across Africa. Daniel Obal, the Special Presidential Envoy on Youth Affairs, urged the UN to take more decisive action to empower youth, who have often been marginalized in development discussions.

The forum featured influential speakers, including 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, among others. The meeting was attended by notable dignitaries, including Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Gen Jjeje Odongo Abubakar and Deputy Hon Okello Oryem, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to prioritizing youth involvement for a sustainable future.