By David Mwanje
Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Charge of Children and Youth Affairs, unveiled the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025. Scheduled for October 6–10 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, the event, themed “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Development,” will unite over 1,000 delegates from African and Arab nations to foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among youth leaders, policymakers, and development partners.
The Congress will feature high-level addresses, youth innovation showcases, and breakout sessions on peacebuilding, climate resilience, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion. A key highlight is the launch of a fundraising campaign for the Afro-Arab International Headquarters in Uganda, a transformative project encompassing an office block, international sports stadium, hotel, University of Science and Technology, and an African and Arab Cultural Heritage Centre. A non-elective General Assembly will also strengthen the Afro-Arab Youth Council’s governance and constitution.
Minister Balaam urged Ugandan youth to embrace this platform for growth. “This Congress is your chance to connect, innovate, and lead a united Afro-Arab future,” he declared. “Your voices will not only be heard but will shape policies for sustainable change.” He also called on the media to amplify the event, highlighting Uganda’s role in global youth dialogue.
Ugandan youth can expect a dynamic experience, networking with international peers and engaging in policy discussions. The Congress offers workshops on entrepreneurship and digital skills, addressing challenges like unemployment, which impacts over 70% of Uganda’s youth, per the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Attendees will contribute to joint declarations, shaping youth-led development frameworks.
Reflecting on government efforts, Minister Balaam noted, “Through the Youth Livelihood Program, we’ve empowered thousands of young Ugandans to launch businesses, turning dreams into reality.” The government has established vocational skilling hubs, like the Mengo Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub, training over 460 youth in trades such as welding and tailoring. The National Youth Policy has also expanded access to reproductive health services and entrepreneurial grants, fostering self-reliance.
Minister Balaam underscored the Congress’s vision: “We are building bridges between Africa and the Arab world, ensuring our youth are architects of peace and progress.” This aligns with Uganda’s leadership in Pan-African initiatives, exemplified by the Africa Youth Congress 2025’s Kampala Declaration supporting Western Sahara’s liberation.
As global issues like conflict and climate change intensify, the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 positions Uganda as a hub for youth empowerment. With government backing, Ugandan youth are poised to lead, innovate, and shape a united, prosperous future.
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