Why the Uganda Youth Sounding Board?
Today, the world houses the largest generation of young people, with over three-quarters residing in developing nations. Young individuals represent a vast potential for development, emphasizing the importance of fostering development with and by young people, not solely for them.

In Uganda, 78% of the population is under 30 years old, showcasing immense development potential. Despite economic progress, Uganda grapples with significant challenges in meeting the needs of its young population. With a staggering national youth unemployment rate of 65%, the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, there's a pressing need to address these issues. While Ugandan youth increasingly participate in civic and political processes, true and effective youth engagement remains a distant goal.

Drawing inspiration from Denmark's model of local Youth Sounding Boards, the Uganda Youth Sounding Board (UYSB) serves as a platform for proactive engagement with young people on relevant policy and program activities. The UYSB comprises diverse youth representatives from civil society, the public sector, and the private sector.

Denmark acknowledges youth as a crucial resource in development, emphasizing meaningful youth participation in its development strategy and partnership with Uganda. The Embassy of Denmark in Uganda established its UYSB in 2020 and is currently selecting members for the 2024-2026 term.

How does the Uganda Youth Sounding Board function?
The UYSB aims to enhance meaningful youth engagement by providing a space for young individuals to propose ideas, offer reflections, and contribute to the Embassy's work and supported activities, including development cooperation. It serves as a platform for discussing and validating strategic, contextual, and program-related issues with youth representatives.

Composed of 15 young individuals engaged in Denmark-supported initiatives or youth representation in Uganda, the UYSB meets biannually or at the call of the Danish Embassy. Participation is voluntary and unpaid, with travel costs and related expenses covered.

The UYSB representatives rotate every three years, with a chair and vice-chair elected by their peers. Meetings and events are communicated through invitations, focusing on predetermined purposes, themes, and locations.

Moreover, the UYSB serves as a hub for representatives to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and opportunities, and engage with other youth sounding boards, meetings, events, debates, and international visits.

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