Empowering Young People for the Sustainable Development Goals
At the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU), we’re standing on the threshold of a significant milestone. With the timeline for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) nearly coming to a close, every effort we make today is vital to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. Recently, we gathered at Caltec Academy Makerere to connect with young people and spark meaningful conversations around the SDGs and the Pact for the Future an essential dialogue to prepare our communities for what lies ahead.
This event was more than just a dialogue; it was an opportunity to empower students with the tools and mindset needed to make a difference. The day began with inspiring words from the UNAU Secretary-General, who stressed the importance of equipping young people with practical skills. “The future needs young people who are not only educated but also prepared,” he said. “The skills you have today are far more than words on paper; they’re the foundation for a better world.”
Program Manager Linda Asaba introduced a key part of the Pact for the Future: Chapter IV, which is dedicated to Youth and Future Generations. Her presentation dived into how sustainable development affects young people and the responsibilities that current generations hold for those yet to come. She encouraged students to think of themselves as stewards of the future, with the power to enact positive change through the SDGs.
The heart of the event, however, was the active participation and energy of the students. From secondary school learners to university students, each participant brought their unique perspectives to the table. A dynamic networking session featured a “speed dating” activity, where students met, exchanged ideas, and shared their personal efforts to support the SDGs. Lively conversations buzzed around the room, with young people discussing how they could champion sustainability in their own communities.
This theme of collaboration and unity was emphasized through a team-building exercise. In small groups, students engaged in a tower-building challenge, working together to construct a stable, tall structure. The exercise symbolized the importance of building a solid foundation of trust and teamwork. Each student played a part in keeping the tower standing, much like each one of us has a role in supporting the sustainable development agenda.
Another highlight was the creative “Pact for the Future” session, where students sketched out their visions for the world they want to see. Dividing into groups representing different sectors academia, the UN, government, and religious leaders they role-played discussions on how each could contribute to a sustainable future. From eco-friendly policies to inclusive educational programs, students voiced their hopes and dreams with a passion that was inspiring to witness.
As UNAU launches a new club at Caltec Academy, we are excited to continue working alongside these bright, young minds. Our vision is to cultivate a team of self-sustaining young leaders who are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the skills to lead and inspire others. These young people are the beating heart of sustainable development, and their energy and commitment remind us that a better world is within reach.
In coming together for this event, we saw the power of young people to bring new life to big ideas, to challenge the status quo, and to envision solutions that will help us move closer to achieving the SDGs. This is only the beginning, but it’s a powerful step toward a sustainable future where every young person is ready to lead.
By Kalema Andrew Arnold
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The initiative by the UN Association of Uganda to empower and cultivate a team of self-sustaining young leaders equipped not only with knowledge but also with the skills to lead and inspire others, is in line with the tenets of the New Lower Secondary Curriculum ( NLSC). This curriculum aims at providing “Holistic Education for Personal and National Development.” Relatedly, the assessment has also shifted from merely being content and knowledge based, to being competency based where emphasis is put on the development of specific skills and abilities.
The curriculum envisages to produce a secondary school graduate with employable skills that are competitive in the job market. By the end of the educational cycle, the learner is expected to become a: self-assured individual, responsible and Patriotic citizen, and a lifelong learner and positive contributor to society. It also provides learners with an opportunity to appreciate cross cutting issues such as citizenship and patriotism, socioeconomic issues, life skills, environmental and health awareness. These help to develop a learner’s understanding of connections between subjects, and equip learners with survival skills in the 21st century.
Finally, the curriculum emphasizes imparting values, attitudes and generic skills like critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation, self directed learning and communication skills.
Anyone who has had an opportunity to interact with the current learners from S1-S4 will testify that they are very analytical, critical thinkers, problem solvers and result oriented. They are clear on what they want, or at least progressively purpose to discover what they want to become. These learners are very creative and innovative.
The School Based Continuous Assessment Model that contributes 20% to the final score at the end of S4 has also empowered them to be more result oriented, as opposed to focusing on memorizing content for purposes of passing examinations.
The students are also expected to produce a project which reveals a learner’s creative competency in dealing with actual and contemporary real life situations. This project is based on a theme issued by UNEB on an annual basis, for learners in Senior three. The theme for the 2025 S4 candidates that was issued last year is skills and innovation for sustainable living. For the current S.3 students, the theme has just been released by UNEB and focuses on ‘Utilization of Available Resources for Community development’.https://x.com/UNEB_UG/status/1897940907871064177
UNEB commends the efforts of the UNAU to gainfully engage students to recognize and appreciate their role in sustainable development. That is spirit behind the New Lower Secondary School Curriculum, and the related Competency Based Assessment.
Jennifer Kalule-Musamba
Principal Public Relations Officer
UNEB; @UNEB_UG; @Blessedjennif7