Uganda is set to host the prestigious Afro Arab Youth Congress 2025, a landmark event aimed at uniting young leaders from Africa and the Arab world to champion peace, unity, and development.
The announcement was officially made today by the State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, during a press briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre.
Scheduled to take place from October 6th – 10th 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, the Congress is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates, including youth leaders, government officials, innovators, development partners, and civil society representatives from across both regions.
Under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Development,” the Congress aims to serve as a high-level platform for joint action, innovation, and policy dialogue. It is jointly organized by the Afro Arab Youth Council in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
In his remarks, Barugahara emphasized the significance of youth involvement in global discourse and development, particularly in regions where the youth population represents the majority.
He called on Uganda’s youth to seize this opportunity to engage, learn, and take on leadership roles in shaping the future of the Afro-Arab community.
“This Congress will not only amplify the voices of young people but also position Uganda as a hub for regional cooperation and youth-led transformation,” he said.
He further appealed to the local media to actively promote the Congress, spotlighting Uganda’s role in advancing youth-centered international dialogue.
One of the key moments of the event will be the official launch of a fundraising campaign for the construction of the International Headquarters of the Afro Arab Youth Council.
This ambitious capital project is set to be built in Uganda and will include an office complex, international sports stadium, hotel, university of science and technology, and a cultural heritage center celebrating African and Arab identities.
Throughout the week, delegates will engage in a variety of activities, including ministerial keynotes, innovation showcases, thematic breakout sessions on peacebuilding, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and entrepreneurship.
A non-elective General Assembly will also be convened to address internal governance issues, constitution review, and membership strengthening.
The Congress will culminate in the adoption of joint declarations and action frameworks designed to enhance youth-led development and regional cooperation.
Target participants include youth leaders aged 18–35 from Afro-Arab member states, representatives from government ministries and agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the African Union, Arab League, academia, media, and the private sector.
As the world grapples with a growing list of global challenges, from conflict and migration to climate change and economic disparities, this Congress signals a renewed Afro-Arab commitment to empowering young people as key agents of peace, sustainable development, and intercultural understanding.
Uganda’s hosting of the Congress and the planned headquarters marks a significant milestone in positioning the country as a central player in international youth engagement and Afro-Arab solidarity
