By Okidi Patrick
SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN – November 4, 2025 Uganda has firmly positioned itself as a global leader dedicated to youth empowerment, refugee inclusion, and technological advancement, according to an address delivered by H.E. Doreen Ruth Amule during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference on November 4, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Ambassador Amule, who served as the Head of Uganda’s Delegation and Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Paris Chapter, emphasized that Uganda’s development agenda is fundamentally centered on its vast youth population and its proactive role in humanitarian efforts.
The Youth Dividend and Skills for the 21st Century
while addressing a fully packed UNESCO conference, Ambassador Ruth Amule highlighted that Uganda’s youth, who constitute approximately 73% of the nation, are at the core of the country’s future.
She detailed Uganda’s comprehensive efforts to equip young people with essential skills for the modern era, citing the introduction of a competence-based curriculum in secondary schools alongside various national initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth demographic.
Ambassador Amule also spotlighted Uganda’s exceptional commitment to refugee inclusion and access to higher education, noting that the country currently hosts over 1.8 million refugees.
To promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for these marginalized communities, Uganda has actively engaged with international programs. Through the UNESCO Qualifications Passport programme, 49 refugees have already been awarded passports, enabling them to pursue higher education and integrate more fully into society.
Strides in Digital Futures and Innovation
Moving beyond social development, Ambassador Amule showcased Uganda’s rapid strides in digital transformation, science, and technology. She outlined national plans to develop a robust digital repository and highlighted ongoing initiatives designed to enhance responsible media reporting across the country.
The Ambassador further drew attention to the significant growth of Uganda’s creative sector, particularly the burgeoning film industry, which is supported by regional collaboration under the International Funds for Cultural Diversity Project (IFCDP).
Environmental and Cultural Heritage
H.E. Amule also addressed Uganda’s key environmental and cultural achievements on the global stage. She highlighted the successful designation of Mt. Elgon as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve shared with Kenya, cementing cross-border cooperation on environmental management.
Furthermore, she confirmed that preparations are underway for several crucial World Heritage nominations, including Lake Victoria, Mt. Moroto, Mt. Napak, and the Transnational Geometric Rock Art Sites. Amule expressed deep gratitude to the governments of Japan and Norway for their vital support in the complex restoration efforts of the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site tragically destroyed by fire in 2010.
Advocating for Global Solidarity
Speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Ambassador Amule reaffirmed the paramount importance of global solidarity, multilateral cooperation, and equitable support for Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
She also advocated strongly for a peaceful and just resolution to the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. Throughout her appeal for global cohesion, she emphasized the critical role of mother-language education and lifelong learning in achieving sustainable development goals worldwide.
Through her comprehensive address, Ambassador Doreen Amule successfully positioned Uganda on the global stage as a proactive and inclusive leader, advancing critical agendas in education, youth empowerment, refugee inclusion, technological innovation, and cultural preservation.
Many people in Uganda espicially mothers were happy on her she prewsntes her session in the conference.
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