European Union Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Jan Sadek had the pleasure to inaugurate the EU Youth Sounding Board (YSB) for Uganda, a platform to allow young people to have an influence on EU external action and international partnerships and thereby contribute to make EU action more participatory, relevant and effective for young people in Uganda.

The inauguration is part of the EU’s commitment to incorporating young Ugandans in its decision-making process, Ambassador Sadek said. Members of the EU Youth Sounding Board (EU-YSB) will have an unpaid mandate of two years. “The Youth Sounding Board aims to create a real change in how the EU engages with young people at global and local levels,” Ambassador Sadek said,  noting that the board serves as a bridge between young Ugandans and the EU Delegation. “The European Union Delegation to Uganda has established a Youth Sounding Board to strengthen engagement and dialogue with Ugandan youth and to advice on the relevance and effectiveness of its actions and development cooperation with Uganda,” Ambassador Sadek said, at a colourful ceremony held on August 30 at the EU Residence in Kololo.

European Union Delegation to Uganda

Ambassador Sadek further disclosed that a young Ugandan, named Jonh Jessy Nabundesi was chosen from among 4,500 applicants from 150 countries to join the 25 member global EU Youth Sounding Board. Through their work, YSB members represent the views of as wide a range of young people as possible, by reaching out to young people within and beyond their networks to gather their opinions and views. Members build links with similar structures and existing youth initiatives at international, regional and country level, both in the EU and in partner countries. They also respond to ad-hoc issues and requests, and take part in capacity-building activities in relation to their mandate. The 2023-2025 cohort will be involved in the implementation and dissemination of the EU Youth Action Plan.

The State Minister for Youths and Children Affairs, Sarah Mateke hailed the European Union for putting young people at the centre of decision making in the development of their own country. "I believe that listening to the voices of the young people is a very good start to have a solid future. For the youth of Uganda, I believe this initiative offers an inspiring example of what can be achieved when young voices are valued and included," Mateke said, noting, however, that expectations for the new board are high. "We expect that as you dialogue with and advise the EU delegation, you will do it with integrity and the heart of the young people of this country. We expect you to propose critical areas and to advocate for projects and programs that are responsive to the needs and the rights of our young people."

European Union Delegation to Uganda