UN Youth delegate program highlights need to address gaps in youth representation

The African United Nations Youth Delegate Program has emphasised the need to address gaps in youth representation by building capacities in negotiation, policy development, public speaking, diplomacy, lobbying, and networking.
The remarks were made during the conclusion of the 2025 African United Nations Youth Delegate (AUNYD) cohort in Kampala. The program successfully equipped young leaders with critical skills to advocate for the Global South and influence decision-making processes.
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Linda Asaba, the program's coordinator, highlighted the achievements of the participants at the year-end event, commending their contributions and dedication.
“These skills are vital for young people to actively engage decision-makers and advocate for meaningful policy reforms, especially in a country like Uganda, where over 78% of the population comprises young people,” said Asaba.
She stressed the importance of empowering Uganda’s youth to influence policies and address challenges within their communities.
“Young people are often given spaces at decision-making tables but lack the skills to make an impact,” Asaba added.
She urged young people to take advantage of such programs, stating that the skills acquired would enable them to contribute effectively to global initiatives like the Pact for the future.
Asaba criticised Uganda’s education system for its heavy focus on traditional professions such as medicine and law, neglecting practical skills essential in today’s global environment.
“Ugandans are good at many things, but we miss out on branding and presenting our ideas effectively,” she said, calling for curriculum reforms to include soft skills such as public speaking, lobbying, and branding.
She also emphasised the role of parents in nurturing these skills.
“Parents should encourage their children to participate in extracurricular activities like public speaking clubs and spelling bees, which build confidence and communication abilities from an early age,” she added.
Asaba further advocated for fellowship programs in Uganda to provide young people with hands-on leadership experiences.
She cited Plan Uganda’s initiative, which places youth in leadership offices to learn directly from decision-makers, as a model to emulate.
“These informal engagements can help young people grow essential skills and prepare them for leadership roles,” Asaba noted.
Aber Sharon, a fellow of the program, described her experience as transformative, crediting it with boosting her confidence and leadership skills.
“This program has been a formative journey for me,” Aber said. “It taught me how to organize myself and represent young voices on critical issues such as climate change.”
Aber highlighted how the program equips participants with practical skills, such as public speaking, strategic planning, and policy advocacy, to address pressing community challenges.
“Oftentimes, young people face challenges and don’t know where to turn.
This can lead to frustration and, in some cases, violence,” she noted.
“But this program brings youth together, shows them they are not alone, and offers tools to work collaboratively toward solutions,”she added.
She encouraged more young people to join such initiatives, emphasising their role in creating meaningful engagement opportunities.
“When young people come together with a shared purpose, they can achieve great things,” Aber said.
Isaac Nasasira, a youth representative in the program, encouraged young people to view rejection as a learning opportunity.
Nasasira reflected on the program’s achievements and challenges.
“Throughout this program, we reached out to several UN agencies and civil society organisations. While we faced many rejections, we also received approvals, teaching us to persevere and stay focused on our goals,"he said.
Nasasira praised the program’s comprehensive training, which included role-playing and practical exercises, for preparing participants to engage confidently with stakeholders.
“By the time we participated in dialogues with UN agencies, we had a solid understanding of how the system works. This made it easier for us to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully,” he noted.
He urged young people to use their skills to drive positive change in their communities, despite obstacles.
“This platform has allowed us to plan meaningful actions and engage other youth in our communities,” Nasasira said. “I urge young people to see rejection as a stepping stone and remain committed to their vision.”