Youth hold flash mobs to promote SDGs in Uganda

The National SDG Secretariat and the Youth Coalition for SDGs organised nationwide  flash mobs on 14th and 15th December 2020  in seven locations in Kampala, the capital city, as well as in other cities Mbale, Gulu and Moroto.

The flash mob initiative, which was composed of groups of youth that converged at different locations performing a dance routine, was organised within continued and collective efforts to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development  Goals and to inspire the local communities  across the country to take action for SDGs under the theme Transforming Uganda – The Role of Individuals and Communities in Implementing the SDGs, Leaving No One Behind, for a Better Life.

The flash mobs in Kampala were shown live on Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Television and received a wide  coverage from social media including live on the twitter handle of the SDG Secretariat @SDGs_ug  and through the youth in all the locations posting flash mob videos  under the hashtag #SDGsUGFlashMob.

The activities were part of SDG advocacy supported by the Youth Coalition for SDGs. The Youth Coalition for SDGs, comprised of over 20 youth organisations, was formed during preparation for the UN and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Awareness Month held in October 2019. The youth organisations actively involved in contributing to achieving the SDGs were brought together under the auspices of the National SDG Secretariat within the Office of the Prime Minister with support from the UN Resident Coordinator in mentoring members of the Youth Coalition for SDGs.

Among various UN programmes and initiatives engaging youth, young people hold debates in schools under the umbrella of several organisations, including Open Space and Youth Coalition for SDGs. The youth share their SDG-related innovations for support and mentorship by development partners. Young people were actively involved in the consultations during preparation of the Second Voluntary National Review Report on the Implementation of The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Youth participated in the formulation of the  UN Emergency Appeal for Covid-19 response and its impacts in Uganda, some of the national Youth NGOs became co-leads of the appeal thematic working groups.

Among the flagship initiatives rolled-out this year under the auspices of UN’s 75th Anniversary is the ‘One Million SDG Solutions from Youth in Uganda Innovation Challenge’  which aims to identify and mobilise Ugandan youth to present one million solutions which are changing lives. The best innovations  receive start-up support and grants from the UN agencies and partners in the private sector. For more information, please visit www.ugandayouthsolutions.com

Speaking on behalf of the UN system in Uganda at the media briefing after the flash mobs in Kampala, UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler noted that Uganda has the second youngest population in the world, with 70% of the population is aged below 30 years of age. Youth in Uganda can offer many advantages for the country if well harnessed. He thanked the SDG Secretariat and Youth Coalition for the initiative promoting SDGs and he called on the  media to actively engage in promoting awareness about the SDGs in Uganda as critical players in covering important topics and educating the public about the need for action.