The 2025 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, held at the United Nations Headquarters from April 15 to 17, brought together youth leaders, ministers, and policymakers from around the world to discuss pressing global challenges.
Among the notable speakers was Uganda’s Minister of Youth and Children, Hon Dr Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who addressed the forum on the theme “Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science for Jobs Creation and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development.”
The annual ECOSOC Youth Forum, convened by the President of ECOSOC and organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in collaboration with the UN Youth Office, provides a platform for young people to share solutions and best practices for implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year’s event, held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, focused on empowering youth to drive innovation and address issues like unemployment and social inclusion through science and technology.
Dr Barugahara, representing Uganda, delivered a speech highlighting Uganda’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment—a significant challenge in a nation where three-quarters of the population is under 30, according to a 2016 Brookings Institution report.
He outlined initiatives by the Ugandan government to leverage science and innovation for job creation, emphasizing the need for global partnerships to support sustainable development.
“The youth of Uganda are ready to lead,” he said, according to a post shared on X by his official account, @BalaamAteenyiDr. “But they need the tools, opportunities, and support to turn their ideas into reality.”
The minister’s address was part of a packed agenda that included sessions like “Youth-Led Solutions for a Resilient Future” and discussions on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
The forum also featured contributions from youth organizations such as the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) and the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organizations (ICMYO), with financial support from the PVBLIC Foundation.
Dr Barugahara expressed gratitude to Uganda’s mission in New York, led by Ambassador Adonia Ayebare and Deputy Ambassador Godfrey Kwoba, for their support during the event.
He also acknowledged the efforts of team members including Ms. Amina, Enock, and driver Michael Rubarema, as well as the broader staff of the Uganda Mission to the UN (@ugandamissionun) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@UgandaMFA).
However, the minister’s speech sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many praised his participation, others offered constructive criticism.
A post by @Mintnanah on X read, “Woow! Thanx so much. Hon. Balaam. So proud of you,” reflecting support from some Ugandans.
@jktaremwa echoed this sentiment, stating, “Right person in the right office at a right time. Go on Hon brother.”
However, @Niwagaba questioned the delivery, writing, “Why is this called an address? It’s a reading of a speech by someone who seems more afraid of reading the words wrong than actually saying or addressing anything.”
Similarly, @MutebwaL advised, “Be innovative, face the audience. There is no rule to stick to the scripted writing.”
The 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum comes at a critical time for Uganda, where youth unemployment remains a pressing issue.
The Brookings report highlighted the need for industrial development and better investment climates to create jobs, noting that Uganda’s rapidly growing population and increasing education levels among youth demand a stronger focus on employment opportunities.
International initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) were cited as potential avenues for boosting exports and job creation.
As the forum concluded, Dr Barugahara’s participation underscored Uganda’s commitment to empowering its youth on a global stage.
While his speech drew varied responses, it contributed to an ongoing dialogue about the role of young people in shaping a sustainable future—a conversation that will continue at the High-level Political Forum in July 2025.