Given the large numbers of young people in Africa, youth advocacy is one of the key elements that we all need to embrace if we are to make a significant impact on the attainment of the SDGs. On November 18th and 19th, 2024, a remarkable youth advocacy peer-to-peer learning event unfolded across East Africa, connecting participants in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. This groundbreaking initiative is supported by UNA-Finland under the Accelerate SDGs project that is running across three countries. The workshop was dedicated to amplifying youth engagement in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) implementation, fostering cross-border collaboration, and empowering young advocates with practical insights and shared experiences.
The event showcased a blend of online and in-person participation, demonstrating the power of technology in bridging distances. Keynote speakers joining remotely included Jenni from UNA-Finland and Aziel, Secretary-General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). Their expertise set the stage for in-depth discussions on youth advocacy and strategic SDG engagement. Jenni emphasized the importance of global youth collaboration in shaping future SDG outcomes, while Aziel highlighted WFUNA’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives worldwide.
In Uganda, the workshop was enthusiastically hosted and featured significant leaders who have been at the forefront of youth and SDG efforts. Linda Asaba, the program coordinator, skillfully guided the sessions, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. Mr. Baguma Richard, Secretary General of UNA-Uganda, provided insights into the evolving role of youth as active participants in sustainable development.
Mr. George Muwanguzi, President of UNA-Uganda, underscored the importance of sustained advocacy and the need for young people to hold stakeholders accountable. “Youth voices must resonate not just in workshops but in policy halls,” he noted, inspiring participants to transform their ideas into actionable steps. Other distinguished speakers included Racheal Damba from the NGO Forum, Musa Kasozi representing Youth After School, and Amina Nassali from the Youth Coalition for SDGs. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and strategies, enriching the discourse with their varied experiences in community-level advocacy and youth engagement.
The workshop drew a diverse group of participants, including university students, representatives from youth organizations, and dedicated advocates championing youth issues. Through peer-to-peer learning sessions, attendees exchanged success stories, discussed challenges faced in their communities, and developed collaborative approaches for impactful action.
Panel discussions and breakout sessions allowed participants to explore themes such as community mobilization, policy influence, and sustainability in youth-led initiatives. Interactive Q&A segments enabled young advocates to ask questions directly to the keynote speakers, fostering a sense of shared mission and learning.
One of the pivotal outcomes of the event was the recognition of the power of interconnected youth networks in driving progress. Participants concluded that ongoing partnerships and knowledge exchange would be critical for maintaining momentum in SDG implementation. The workshop emphasized practical approaches for grassroots advocacy, including effective communication techniques, coalition-building, and leveraging social media for broader outreach.
In a show of solidarity and commitment, participants expressed their readiness to return what they had learned to their communities, promising to continue dialogues, share resources, and nurture collaborations.
The workshop’s success was a testament to the collective support from partners like UNA-Finland, whose backing facilitated the engagement’s logistical and intellectual richness. Their contribution was crucial in uniting youth from different backgrounds to engage in meaningful, future-focused dialogues.
Group Presentations on different Advocacy topics
The peer-to-peer learning event marked a significant step in reinforcing youth-driven efforts for sustainable development in East Africa. With leaders and young advocates demonstrating unwavering dedication, the future of youth advocacy in the region promises to be both impactful and transformative.
By Linda Asaba– Programs Manager (UNAU)
