Each year, August 12 marks International Youth Day, with this year’s theme being Youth engagement for Global Action. Here, Sylvia Nagginda, the Nnabagereka (Queen) of Buganda, Vanessa Nakate, a Ugandan climate change activist and Musonda Mumba, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Terrestrial Unit, reflect on some of the initiatives that are ensuring youth voices are heard in environmental decision-making.
The year 2020 has seen the world grapple with an unprecedented global pandemic as the climate crisis looms on. The impact of these is being felt across the African continent, especially by women, children and youth. Many parts of Africa have suffered extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, which disrupt lives and livelihoods.
The world’s youngest countries – in terms of the average age of the population – are in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2019. The Nnabageraka’s Foundation focuses on bringing the voice of Uganda’s youth to the forefront of global issues.
Established twenty years ago, the foundation embodies the philosophy of Obuntubulamu (similar to Ubuntu – “humanity towards others”). It encourages young people to anchor themselves in the idea of community rather than individualism, training them on societal engagement, environmental and economic issues, so they can become champions of sustainable development. The foundation works closely with UNEP and other UN agencies. Read more…
