People everywhere, knowingly or not, are helping bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life. In Kalerwe, the United Nations Association of Uganda and Open Space Center recently teamed up to do just that, engaging the local community to make this global mission feel closer to home. This gathering followed United Nations Day and provided a chance to celebrate the progress made by the UN and its partners while connecting people directly to the purpose behind it all.
The theme for this year’s UN Day “The World Needs the UN, and the UN Needs Us” is a call to action for all of us. With flyers, one on one discussions, and young voices leading the way, the event encouraged everyone to see the SDGs as something they could be part of.
Kalerwe was buzzing with the excitement of young people, decked out in bright t-shirts, sharing smiles and stories with local families. It was heartening to see skateboarders and young leaders side by side, raising awareness about these big goals that impact all of us. With over 78% of Uganda’s population under 35, there’s incredible potential here. Grassroot engagements like these bring out the best in everyone, showing how young people can be powerful allies in shaping our shared future.
Action for the SDGs
Many who joined in shared memories of the Millennium Development Goals, but for some, it was their first time learning about the SDGs. As conversations deepened, people saw that these goals resonate with everyday life, keeping communities clean, achieving quality education, tackling hunger, and reducing poverty.
Bringing people together in Kalerwe was a reminder that every adult was once a young person with dreams and ideas. By supporting youth involvement now, we build stronger foundations for tomorrow. The energy and dedication of everyone involved showed that the journey to reach Agenda 2030 is one we must make together, with no one left behind.