THE LIGHT UP IMPACT DAYS 2025 -LET YOUTH LEAD

Last week, Raising Teenagers Uganda participated in the #LightUpImpactDays2025 that took place in Nairobi-Kenya, this time not just as delegates, but as one of the proud sponsors of this year’s transformative youth conference. For us as an organisation, being part of this global space reaffirms our belief that young people are not only the future but also the drivers of change today and sponsoring this event means more than financial support, it represents our commitment to nurturing meaningful youth participation, leadership and collaboration across Africa. The conference featured inspiring conversations about reimagining leadership, sustainability and the power of youth in shaping equitable systems with delegates from different countries, backgrounds and organizations coming together to discuss how young people can play a bigger role in solving Africa’s biggest challenges from gender inequality and climate change to education and community development. 

During the fireside chat conversations on mobilising for change, our team leader Hope Nankunda emphasized the urgent need to embrace philanthropy and local ownership, especially considering the recent USAID funding cuts that have deeply affected many grassroots organizations. She reminded participants that even as external support diminishes, communities must not give up on themselves. She also highlighted that philanthropy goes far beyond giving money, it is about investing in people, ideas and the collective vision of a better tomorrow especially the young people. Her call to action was clear: the time is now to step up, invest locally and keep the impact alive, it is through intentional giving and collaboration that we can continue driving meaningful, lasting change.

One of the most impactful sessions was where Abigail Kima, whose keynote speech on youth leadership was impressive. She reminded us of the old saying that, ‘young people are the leaders of tomorrow.’ Is now outdated. The tomorrow we were promised is already here and the young people are the leaders of today, acting, innovating and reshaping the world in real time. Her call to action emphasized co-creation rather than mere participation, urging leaders to share spaces, power and decision-making with the youth and allowing youth to be co-creators of change with them. 

Another inspiring session of the conference focused on centering youth leadership in climate finance and policy decisions where panelists reminded participants that climate solutions are most effective when they come from the grassroots where the real challenges are felt. They encouraged youth led organizations to explore local fundraising, emphasizing that not all support must come in the form of money. Sometimes, help comes through sharing ideas, partnerships and collaborations that build stronger networks for change. The conversation also opened young people’s eyes to the world of climate finance and the growing opportunities around green industrialization. Speakers urged youth to stay informed, learn how climate funding works and position themselves to benefit from the global climate movement. One young leader and panelist summed it up saying “There is so much happening in climate finance right now and if we, the youth are not at the table, we will miss the chance to shape the future.” 

Outside the discussion halls, the exhibition area was full of color and creativity. Wezesha Girls Network Uganda under Raising Teenagers Uganda showcased the amazing work being done by young women leading community change. Our table displayed reusable sanitary pads, advocacy materials, handmade crafts among others and all these told stories of impact, innovation and empowerment. Hundreds of people visited our stall and were curious to learn how young women are tackling issues like menstrual health, gender-based violence and climate change at the grassroots level and the excitement and pride on their faces as they left spoke volumes. This was more than an exhibition, it was a celebration of youth driven transformation in communities. 

75% of the conference delegates were youth and this was a clear sign that the future of leadership in Africa is bright and already in motion. These young leaders are breaking old narratives and redefining what leadership looks like. From tackling food security, loss and damage to advocating for fair climate transitions, youth are taking up spaces and speaking truth to power. This was one of most inspiring and exciting aspects of the #LightUpImpactDays2025 as we saw how much young people are taking charge of their own development.

As an organisation, our participation in the #LightUpImpactDays2025 was not just about attending a conference. It was about affirming our role as a catalyst for youth leadership and a platform that empowers the next generation to rise, speak and lead. Sponsoring this event was our way of investing back into the very community we serve, a generation determined to transform challenges into opportunities. This youth conference reminded us that the shift in power begins today and at Raising Teenagers Uganda, we are proud to be part of that shift. 

Compiled by: Mbabazi Pillar