Balaam Launches Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025, A Call for Youth Empowerment and Unity
By: Lawrence Mubiru
State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in Charge of Children and Youth Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi launched the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 on Wednesday in Kampala.
The main event is Scheduled for October 6–10 at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Development.” This will unite over 1,000 delegates from Afro -Arab member states to foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among youth leaders, policy makers, and development partners.
The Congress will feature high-level addresses, youth innovation showcases, and breakout sessions on peace building, 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, sports stadium, hotel and an African and Arab Cultural Heritage Centre.
Minister Balaam urged Ugandan youth to embrace this platform for growth.
“This Congress is your chance to connect, network, innovate, and lead a united Afro-Arab future,” he said. “Your voices will not only be heard but will shape policies for sustainable change.” He stressed.
The Congress will also offer workshops on entrepreneurship and digital skills, addressing challenges like unemployment, which impacts over 70% of Uganda’s youth, per the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
Reflecting on government efforts, Minister Balaam pointed out a number of government programs like the Youth Livelihood Program where thousands of young Ugandans are empowered to launch businesses and vocational skilling hubs which are aimed at changing lives of the youths.
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 youths are poised to lead, innovate, and shape a united, prosperous future.